Nathan Merritt finally rewarded with selection in NSW State of Origin side

UPDATE: AFTER 12 years, 213 NRL games and 148 tries, Nathan Merritt yesterday declared: "I am living the dream.''

AFTER 12 years, 213 NRL games and 148 tries, Nathan Merritt yesterday declared: "I am living the dream.''

Merritt, the South Sydney winger, has been rushed into the NSW side attempting to create Origin history for the suspended Blake Ferguson.

He has proven to be among the most popular selections in Origin's 33-year history.

Merritt becomes the sixth oldest player to debut for NSW behind Tony Butterfield, Max Krilich, Hazem El Masri, John Ferguson and Tommy Raudonikis.

PLAYERS IN CAMP FOR ORIGIN II

He has been trying to be a Blue for 4063 days since debuting for Souths on May 12, 2002.

Souths co-owner Russell Crowe couldn't hide his joy yesterday, tweeting: "Nathan Merritt...that's all I have to say.''

Merritt was completing a Pilates class yesterday when pulled aside by Souths general manager Mark Ellison and told of his NSW call-up.

"I am living the dream. I am proud of the jumper and proud of the state,'' Merritt said. "It's a great feeling. It's hard to describe the emotions going on inside me.

"It's something I have been wanting to do for a while now and finally I have the opportunity to play in the Blues jumper. It has been a long time.

"I thought my time was up and that I would never get a chance. I'm here now and I honoured, it's an unbelievable feeling. It's a reward for me. I have been hanging around for a while now.

"I definitely won't let it slip away for me. I will prepare myself, stay among the boys and give myself a good preparation. I was totally surprised and totally shocked.''

Merritt has been constantly overlooked - until yesterday. He couldn't believe it when officially told of his elevation by Blues coach Laurie Daley.

"I tried to brush off (the rejections) and not let it concern me,'' Merritt said. "It affects your football if you let it get to you.

"I learned to concentrate on what I have to do in the game ahead of me. It has all paid off now.

"It affected me earlier in my career, about five years ago. But I am more mature now, enough to understand the things that go on in the football world. I had to bide my time.''

He may be a Queenslander but Souths team-mate Chris McQueen was thrilled for Merritt.

"FINALLY!! So pumped for this guy despite being a proud Qlder,'' he tweeted.

Merritt expressed sorrow for Ferguson's demise but promised to take full advantage of his call-up.

"I didn't know what was going on with `Fergo','' he said. "It's sad to see him get suspended and hopefully he gets himself sorted out and surrounds himself with positive and good people.

"I hope he works everything out. These are the circumstances that gave me a chance. What more can I say. I will take this chance.''

Daley revealed why he opted for Merritt, saying: "Nathan has been on the cusp for a while now. He has been waiting for an opportunity and gets that in one of NSW's biggest-ever games.

"He will be ready. I have coached him and know what he can do. I have no worries about Nathan."