Missing Cup has Merrin primed to rip and tear

As the Kangaroos continue their tilt at World Cup glory in the UK, Dragons forward Trent Merrin can’t help bristling. 

He played all three matches for NSW in this year’s State of Origin series and was well in the hunt for one of the 20 touring spots before a late-season knee injury scuttled his selection chances.

Merrin, however, has made a habit of turning disappointment into success and says it’s all just fuel for the fire.

‘‘Missing out on the Aussie side really touched me, which is a good thing,’’ he said

‘‘It would’ve been a dream come true, but it wasn’t meant to be. I’ve just used it for a bit more fuel heading into next year.

‘‘Even the years before in Origin, when I missed out on the two deciders, I think I always use those negatives as positives, set new goals and try to do better.

‘‘It’s [Australian selection] still at the top of my list. It’s somewhere I definitely aspire to be, and it’s something I’ll work extra hard on next year.’’

The 24-year-old takes a similar view of the Dragons’ forgettable 2013 season, choosing to draw on the pain of watching other clubs battling it out in the finals cauldron as his motivation for next year.

‘‘Sitting back and watching the other boys in finals contention, knowing we could’ve been there, that’s what hurt the most,’’ he said.

‘‘For me, personally, it’s certainly something I’d rather be a part of than left out of.’’

By every other measure, 2013 was a breakout year for Merrin, who played all three Origin matches for NSW, after he was unceremoniously dropped for the deciders in 2011 and 2012. He also collected the Dragons player of the year gong at the club’s end-of-season awards.

‘‘The first few years you’re growing and maturing in the game,’’ Merrin said. 

‘‘I felt last year I was a lot more mature after being around those senior players like Dean Young and Benny Hornby.

‘‘Seeing them leave made me wake up to things a lot more and put more of a role on my shoulders.’’

Merrin knows he’ll have to step up again next year after the retirements of Nathan Fien, Matt Cooper and his former mentor Michael Weyman, but it’s a chance he is relishing.

‘‘Last year was a coming of age for me and I think even more so for me next year after seeing those players leave,’’ Merrin said.

‘‘I had Michael Weyman take me under his wing when I first came into [first] grade.

‘‘Those players have left, so it’s up to me and some of the other boys to step up and take more of a leadership role.’’ 

Accused of having an ageing roster in recent seasons, the Dragons embarked on an extensive recruitment drive that’s netted Gareth Widdop, Sam Williams, Joel Thompson and Dylan Farrell.

‘‘Looking around all the new faces, the first thing that came into my mind was young and exciting. 

‘‘I’ve played a lot of footy against Joely Thompson and Dylan Farrell since coming through the 20s and I know what they’re capable of. 

‘‘Add that to the De Belins, the Stockwells and Mitch Rein as well – it’s going to be a very exciting year with all the young talent.’’