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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 15: Cameron Smith, Greg Inglis, Matt Scott, Trent Merrin and Shannon Boyd of Australia line up for the Australian national anthem during the International Rugby League Test match between the Australian Kangaroos and the New Zealand Kiwis at nib Stadium on October 15, 2016 in Perth, Australia.  (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

Kangaroos forward Trent Merrin has achieved plenty throughout his eight-year career, but according to him, being a part of the Four Nations squad sits comfortably at the top. 

It's a big statement considering he won a grand final with the St George Illawarra Dragons in 2010, and has represented the NSW Blues 13 times at State of Origin level. 

Merrin earned his first cap in the 2015 Anzac Test against the Kiwis, coming off the bench in Australia's 26-12 loss in Brisbane, but had to wait until last month's match in Perth for a recall.  

It was just reward for a player many deemed unlucky to miss out on Origin selection this year. 

The Panthers lock got through a mountain of work against Scotland at the weekend in the Four Nations opener, churning out 25 tackles and running for 157 metres in his 39 minutes off the bench. 

The 27-year-old had a stellar first year at the Panthers where he ran for 3,891 metres, made 861 tackles and produced 56 offloads to deservedly take home the Merv Cartwright Medal as the club's best and fairest player. 

Now he's reaping the rewards with the crème de la crème of the NRL, and he's loving every minute of it. 

"Just being around the calibre of players that we have here, it's definitely been the highlight of my career," Merrin said. 

"Just to learn off them and excel my game to a new level, it's definitely been a great few weeks so far and it's going to get better. 

"I always love putting on that green and gold jersey. It's what every player aspires to be. It's definitely something I want to be a part of for years. I'll be preparing the best I possibly can to stay in it." 

This article first appeared on NRL.com.

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Penrith Panthers players and staff respect and honour the traditional custodians of the land and pay our respects to their elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and living cultures of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands we meet, gather and play on.