St George Illawarra Dragons prop Trent Merrin is enthusiastic about the upcoming rounds after the Red-and-Whites defeated the Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Monday.
The NSW Blues State of Origin representative took to the field to play for the Emergency Services Cup after suffering a calf injury during the match against the Gold Coast Titans.
The 24-year-old, selected by the NSW Blues for the third State of Origin fixture, knows his teammates are determined to keep the positive energy flowing with more victories and disproving recent speculation regarding the state of the team.
“We are really focusing on getting our heads right for the remainder of the season and pushing for a place in the Finals,” said Merrin.
“There are a few things we need to fix up in our game, but we are looking positive for the rest of the season, especially after tonight.
“I tore the fissure in my calf; it’s nothing too major, it’s just something I have to keep in the back of my mind when I’m playing.
“It’s good that we were able to play on a Monday night so we had the full week to prepare right.
“I was a bit sore heading out there tonight, but I know I had a job to do for the Red V and I tried my best in doing it right.
“It didn’t even cross my mind to sit another game out; I always love running out there with the boys.
“Storm have a few Queenslanders in their side so it’s good to have the opportunity to test myself heading into the next Origin game.
“A few weeks ago there was a bit of negative media hype regarding our club and no one likes to be called soft, I think that had an impact on the boys and we’re proving naysayers wrong.
“We took it personally so we’re using it as fuel to work harder and push harder.
“It definitely feels good to win this game, but there’s a lot to come; tonight proved what we are capable of.
“We’ll take this win and our confidence forward to help us in the coming games; I know for sure that there is a better feeling on the way.”
