Merrin backs himself to claim the double with titles feat
THEY’RE the two most prized trophies in rugby league – the State of Origin shield and NRL premiership trophy.
And NSW forward Merrin wants both.
On the eve of the biggest game of the year, Merrin has revealed his burning desire to collect his second Origin series win with NSW before bowing out from St George Illawarra
Trent Dragons with the premiership.
Merrin made the toughest call of his career to end his sixyear stint with the Dragons at the end of this season to join Penrith next year.
With the weight of the decision lifted from his shoulders, he was chosen for Australia and then NSW, where he will play the role of bench forward tomorrow night.
Merrin admits, that with the Dragons currently in striking distance of the finals, sitting fourth on the NRL ladder, he can take his first step towards reaching his goal of the rare double with victory for NSW tomorrow night.
“When I was doing negotiations with club footy that was the main goal was to leave on a good note and get the club back to where they deserve to be,’’ Merrin said.
“It would be a dream come true to get the premiership.
“With the (Origin) series it’s something we all hold close to our heart, it was something special that we did last year and it would be great to create history again.
“It would mean the world to win this year’ series.
“It would mean we’re building that consistency as a group and that bond as a team. I can feel it happening and I’ve got all the confidence in the world that we can get the job done.’’
Merrin was influential in the Blues Origin II success, earning an early introduction to the match after captain Paul Gallen was forced from the field with a rib injury.