Mal’s test of loyalty Club form no concern as Merrin, Dugan on alert

KANGAROOS coach Mal Meninga says Trent Merrin and Josh Dugan are primed to represent Australia in the Anzac Test against New Zealand despite indifferent club form and injury.

Questions surround Merrin’s place in the Australian side after Penrith’s slow start to the season.

The Panthers have managed just two wins this year to sit in 14th spot after eight rounds.

Merrin hasn’t been as damaging as his career- best form from last season, when he averaged 155.6 running metres and 34.4 tackles a game.

Flash forward to this year and Merrin is averaging 122.4m and 30.4 tackles per match.

Meninga, though, said the Penrith lock remains in the box seat to don the green and gold against the Kiwis in Canberra on May 5.

“As I’ve always stated, I’m loyal to players who have done the job for me in the past,” Meninga said.

“I’m also loyal to players that are successful as well and that’s regardless of where they are at with club footy.

“Trent is one of those players that we are very happy with and I know how he performed on and off the field over at the Four Nations, so he’ll be re- warded for that.” From experience, Meninga also knows players who are struggling at NRL level can find another gear on the representative stage.

Meninga believes that Merrin is the perfect example.

“How the club is going is no reflection on how Trent is going,” he said.

“I think Trent has been performing really well, so I’m comfortable in our selection thought process if he is available.

“There is still another game to go ( before the Test), but most times a player that’s playing in a club that is not doing so well excels at the representative level.

“Because obviously he is playing in a more confident team and I dare say in an Australian side with a better bunch of players.

“So he ( Trent) will be looking forward to coming into camp, no doubt.”

Meninga feels the same way about Dugan ( pictured left), who will return from a knee injury against the Roosters in the traditional Anzac Day clash.

“Josh is playing and that’s great news for the rep sides,” he said.

“Prior to his injury he was playing incredible footy and was one of the form players in the competition.

“He was the right centre that played in the Four Nations final and played really well by scoring two tries, so he is right in the picture as well.”