Merrin feared rep career was over

Panthers star Trent Merrin thought he might never play rep football again after missing out on NSW State of Origin selection this year.

Trent Merrin feared his rep football career was over before he was recalled to the Kangaroos. (AAP)

Trent Merrin feared his representative career was over before he was recalled to the Australian squad for the Four Nations.

Merrin was overlooked for NSW this season, a situation that led him to doubt himself and whether he would play State of Origin or Test football again.

The star Penrith back-rower has the chance to assert himself as a long-term rep player when he returns to Test football in the Kangaroos side for their match against the Kiwis in Perth on Saturday.