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NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley says Queensland plans to exploit Nathan Merritt won’t have an impact on the Blues debutant – claiming the veteran winger has been a target his entire NRL career.
Merritt will make his long-awaited State of Origin debut in Wednesday night’s clash at Suncorp Stadium – after being called up to replace the stood down Blake Ferguson.
While his selection was met with almost unanimous approval, it didn’t take long for the Maroons to suggest the winger could be exploited – in particular by South Sydney teammate Greg Inglis.
However Daley said the Blues were making no special provisions for Merritt, who will give away 14 centimetres to Maroons juggernaut Inglis.
“He’s probably heard that all his career,” Daley said of Merritt being targeted.
“He’s scored 140-odd tries and played well over 200 first grade games.
“I don’t think he’ll be overawed. Mature players I think handle it pretty well.”
Ironically Inglis has been one of Merritt’s staunchest supporters when it came to him finally getting a sky blue jumper, the 30-year-old until now consistently overlooked despite his prolific try-scoring ability.
“I would love to see Nathan Merritt in a rep jersey,” Inglis said ahead of the series opener earlier this month.
“I’d love to see him in a Blues jumper.”
The Maroons have vowed to get Inglis more involved in game two, after the in-form Rabbitohs star was barely sighted with the ball in his hands in the opening game.
With Merritt one of five NSW players making their first Origin appearance at Suncorp Stadium, Daley said he was confident no-one would be over-awed by the occasion.
“They’ve fitted in quite well and they’re obviously looking forward to it,” Daley said.
“They know it’s going to be a tough game but they’re tough kids, they’ll handle it.”
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