Trent Merri

Merrin opens up on shock Origin dumping

Merrin – a veteran of 13 Origins for New South Wales – was overlooked for the series opener at the beginning of the month. 

The 26-year-old was told by coach Laurie Daley the Blues were "heading in a different direction" this series by initially naming big men James Tamou, Andrew Fifita and David Klemmer on the interchange. 

Merrin's Origin dumping became a harsher reality when Daley chose to bring Tyson Frizell in for his debut on Wednesday night following Wade Graham's suspension.