By Mary Maidiotis
St George Illawarra Dragons lock Trent Merrin is confident his side can regain their momentum ahead of their Women in League fixture against the Canberra Raiders at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Sunday.
The NSW Blues representative admits the game is a must-win in order to build confidence and consistency, against the team where the Red-and-Whites’ winning streak began, back in round three.
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Merrin, 25, says that while playing Origin is always a goal, his job is to play well for his club, and instead sang the praises of his teammates Josh Dugan and Tyson Frizell.
“The body is pretty sore after the Rabbitohs game, it was a brutal match and we played against one of the best forward packs in the comp so a few of the boys have pulled up pretty sore,” said Merrin.
“We were a bit fluctuant in the first few rounds and we didn’t get the wins but we’ve really put it together now, built some consistency and it’s something that we’ve got to look forward to come Sunday.
“It all started with our first win against the Raiders, I think it really put us in check, we built some confidence from that game.
“It’s going to be a game we need to win this Sunday to build that consistency going forward.
“The Women in League Round is great because they do so much for us, especially at the grass roots level where they’ve got the ladies in the canteen and at the front gate there, it’s awesome to be able to give back to the special ladies in our lives.
“I think at the start of the year, before you start, you always set personal goals and NSW is the highest you want to be in, it’s one of the toughest games to play in and it’s definitely on the list but I think to be able to get into that position, you’ve got to play well for your club, and a few of the boys here have proven themselves well.
“Duges has been awesome, he had a cracker on the weekend, he’s definitely stamped his claim for that fullback position for NSW and he thoroughly deserves it.
“Tyson is definitely a chance too, he’s really put his hand up, he’s a professional on and off the field and there’s no one who deserves it more than him.
If selected, it will be my 11th game for NSW, it’s been building up and as a kid, you’re always dreaming of it but you don’t really think it will happen.
“Hopefully there’s plenty more to come, but I just want to set that standard and try to achieve every year.
“It’s always business as usual for Origin, it’s going to be a tough job to back up the win and we’ve just got to knuckle down and do everything we possibly can to do so.”
The Dragons will proudly be supporting the Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation as part of Women In League Round against the Canberra Raiders at WIN Stadium, Wollongong on Sunday.
The Foundation is in honour of the wife of former St George, Illawarra, St George Illawarra, NSW and Australian representative Brad Mackay who sadly lost his wife to breast cancer.
The Joanne Mackay Breast Cancer Foundation is a long-term Dragons charity that focuses on the fundamental and emotional needs of patients and their families during the treatment of breast cancer.
The Foundation will facilitate several activities in and around the venue on game day to raise donations including a bucket collection which take place around the venue as well as several stalls where official scarves and other paraphernalia will be available for purchase.
Additionally, representatives from the Foundation as well as Bria Mackay will help form an on-field guard of honour for the players when they take to the field prior to kick-off.
Furthermore, the team will proudly be wearing pink socks in recognition of the Foundation when they take to the field.
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Additionally, the Dragons have launched a new “Flexi Pass” three game Red V Membership that will allow supporters to choose which of remaining home games they want to attend during the 2015 season, across all venues.
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