Greg Inglis knows he’s the last person who should be dishing out advice to NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley – but the Queensland superstar is adamant South Sydney teammate Nathan Merritt is better than the player he terrorised in Origin II.
Inglis claimed Merritt was handed a tall order coming up against a Maroons side desperate to maintain it’s Origin stranglehold – with seven years of interstate dominance on the line.
The veteran Rabbitohs flyer endured a nightmare Origin debut as Inglis combined with Johnathan Thurston and Darius Boyd to exploit an indecisive Blues right-side defence at Suncorp Stadium.
Merritt was guilty – under what Daley said were his instructions – of racing in off his wing to try and suffocate Inglis, but it only served to hand Boyd an easy ride to the line.
Inglis also beat Merritt in an aerial battle as he iced the win with a try of his own, but said he hoped his “best pal” earned another crack when Daley on Sunday names his side for Origin III.
“I’m not the right person, that’s for the selectors,” Inglis said when asked if Merritt deserved to keep his spot.
“It’s a difficult situation being thrown into that arena with Queensland’s backs against the wall.”
“I know Nathan’s a better player and hopefully the coach knows that he is too.”
The close bond between the pair was evident 48 hours later with Inglis the first to congratulate Merritt after he scored for the Bunnies against Canberra.
“I’m happy for him that he got his chance … we’re professional enough, we’re teammates, we’re best pals – we leave everything on the field between us,” Inglis said.
“It’s just unfortunate.
“Once everything settled down I started feeling for him, but it’s hard to when he’s thrown into that arena, especially up at Suncorp Stadium.”
Said Merritt of his chances of a second sky blue jumper:
“I’m not too sure, it’s up to Laurie.
“My main focus is going out this week and doing my best for the Rabbitohs against the Warriors.”
matt
Guest
Tamou in for Woods Hayne in for Merritt Woods 18th man for Gallen and to add a bit of flair and flavour give Albert Kelly a run on the bench for Reynolds who is wasted there
Mac
Guest
Yes Inglis wants Merrit in there again, he had a field day against him in game 2. Merritt will never play Origin again unfortunately and Hayne should go straight back to fullback if fit.
Bluey
Guest
Of course Inglis wants Merritt so he can dominate him again. Don't worry about the Blues Inglis you turned your back so mind your own business.
Bluey
Guest
More like 7 cents worth of coverage is all he watches. To say Hayne is overrated just shows how ignorant he is.
Renegade
Guest
He does that in every post .....it's not worth the seven bucks :P
Carlos
Guest
Think your over rating your opinion by about 7 dollers...
seven dollers worth
Guest
Their have been better players over the past years that would have been a better choice than Hayne. Still overated.
Dragons Forever
Guest
Hayne in for Merritt, Tamou in for Woods, Woods on stand by for Gal. No other changes
fishes
Guest
hayne has been the standout player for NSW for about 5 years, he deserves to be there and playing whatever position he wants
seven dollers worth
Guest
Why would any1 assume its better to have Hayne instead of Merritt. If Hayne was such a great player then Parramtta wouldnt be the laughing joke over the past years and NSW would have won SOO in the past. Get over the media hype and take a good look at Hayne's performance. He aint that good. A lucky try for him in game 1 isnt enough to put him back into the NSW team.
turbodewd
Guest
If Hayne and or Ferguson returns then Merritt, no matter how good he could be, has to make way.