North Queensland and Brisbane are the competition’s front runners but third-placed Cronulla, better known for their grinding style in previous years, have shown so far in 2016 that they have now have the flair that could see them emerge as serious premiership contenders.
But according to Penrith lock-forward, Trent Merrin, the close losses during the early part of the season will hold them in good stead as they look to get into the grind and thwart Cronulla’s bid for a fourth win in a row.
This would allow the Panthers to complete the opening third of the season with a four and four record.
“We’re building a great grinding culture here and playing some tough footy,” Merrin said.
“We’ve had some really tough losses but if you look at all our games it always comes down to the wire and that’s the way we want it to be.”
“The only thing that’s beaten us in our games is ourselves.”
“It comes back to getting ourselves ready and doing all the things right that we know we can do and taking it to a new level and keep doing that week in week out.”
“If we can bring that (game) come Sunday I don’t think any team’s really challenged Cronulla like that yet and put them into a really grinding game.”
With the representative season just around the corner, the Australian Test and NSW Origin forward, admits it has been an adjustment in making the switch from St George Illawarra over the off-season.
But with reports the Australian Test team will be finalised earlier than expected, this Sunday’s clash against a Sharks forward pack featuring Paul Gallen, Andrew Fifita, Michael Ennis and Luke Lewis represents Merrin’s last chance to impress the Australian selectors.
“It’s tough coming to a new club, trying to adjust and getting the rhythm,” Merrin confirmed.
“I came here to lead the team by example, and do the best I can.”
“But I’ve adjusted really quick. I feel like I’m doing my job for the team.”
“I’m getting there most definitely. I think I’ve scored more tries in the opening rounds than I have previously so that’s a positive.”
“You always want to put your hand up for a rep jersey or rep selection and either play for your country or your state.”
“But at the end of the day I think it all comes down to how your club goes, that’s the main focus.”
“If you play the best footy that you can for your team and you’re doing your job you can then put your hand up for those jerseys.”
Merrin is also excited by the talent that is coming through the club and says it’s only a matter of time before several players are playing representative football at the highest levels.
“Not being cocky but we’ve got a lot of a young players that you’ll see in the future most definitely put on one of those representative jerseys,” Merrin declared.
“They’ve got a lot of character about them all. There’s no egos and they’re all level- headed guys (that) all want to do well and it’s great to have that vibe around the club.”
“They are all willing to learn and they’re learning quickly, playing some great footy and will get better with experience and age.”
“If not this year you’ll see them in a Sky Blue rep jersey in the next few years to come.”
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