Nathan Merritt admits he’d virtually given up all hope of ever playing for NSW before receiving a phone call from Blues coach Laurie Daley on Tuesday morning.
The 30-year-old South Sydney winger was called into the team to face Queensland in Brisbane next Wednesday after Blake Ferguson was stood down on Monday night.
The Canberra winger was charged with indecent assault following an alleged incident at Cronulla nightspot on Sunday night.
Merritt has been knocking at the door for Origin selection for several years and felt his chance had passed despite having scored 148 tries in 213 NRL matches.
“I just thought I’d never get the chance and I am grateful for it,” Merritt said at the NSW team hotel just an hour after finding out he was in the side.
“I thought the opportunity had gone and I’d like to thank Laurie for giving me the chance and now I can show what I have got.
“But it’s about keeping the shirt now and putting my best foot forward.”
Daley was initially unable to contact Merritt after deciding he was the right man to replace Ferguson as he was in a pilates session.
But when he did finally get the news he said the first person he was able to share it with was his father.
“I smiled so much it hurt and it was a moment I will always remember,” he said.
“As I walked out to training, my old man was walking in and he knew more than me. We embraced and cuddled, then I told my fiancee … they were all very, very happy.”
Although delighted at being given the chance on the biggest stage, Merritt said he felt sympathy for the plight of Ferguson and said the 23-year-old needs proper help to overcome his problems.
“Hopefully Blake is being surrounded by the right people and they try to keep him calm,” he said.
“He needs to get his mind back on the job, get away for a while, freshen up and then see where he goes from there.”
Merritt also said he sensed no signs of a lack of morale amongst his new teammates when he walked into the team hotel in Coogee for the first time.
“They were all playing games and laughing around with each other. I didn’t detect any problems.”
“I am looking forward to getting to know them all.”
BAMBAM - WIRADJURI
Guest
Bazzio - Could you be anymore judgmental. In the first instance how can you find a better role model than Anthony Mundine. Put aside his public personal opinions (which he is entitled to but don't represent all Aboriginal people) and what stands is a superior athlete that has reached the pinnacle of Rugby League(Only Laurie Daley and Brad Fittler prevented him from representing NSW more times and Australia) and rose to the pinnacle of Australian Boxing for so many years before his comprehensive defeat to Geale. A non-smoking , non-drinking Aboriginal sportsperson that for that very fact is and always will be a positive role model to any Aboriginal youth aspiring to greatness in this country. And yes he is a cousin of Choc mundine and he will testify to be proud of this. so is Reece robinson and Travis Robinson. Reece being the player that in the eyes of many Raiders fans and most importantly his player peers is regarded 3 times a better player than Dugan. As for Merritt - Mark my words and blog back later in the year and apologise when Nathan Merritt takes his rightful place on the wing for Australia in the world cup undwer Tim Sheens after South Sydney win the premiership. Mate your comments border on you know what!!!
Bazzio
Roar Guru
I just hope that Merritt isn't another one of Anthony Mundine's cousins!! ;)