Trent Merrin has declared James Tamou's shock axing from the Australian team a win for Penrith.
Merrin is attempting to re-establish himself as a representative regular during Australia's Four Nations campaign.
But Tamou's future on the scene is up in the air after he was overlooked for coach Mal Meninga's 24-man squad.
North Queensland premiership winner Tamou will join Merrin at the Panthers next year on a four-year deal.
And Merrin believes his omission from the Kangaroos squad after playing in the mid-year Test in Newcastle, will provide Tamou with plenty of motivation.
"I know as well as anyone what it is like to miss out on something. I know Jimmy will take this personally and it will fuel him up for next year," Merrin said.
"I know him well and this will really hurt him. He loves testing himself, proving himself and he will definitely be up for next year.
"It is going to be great for the Panthers that Jimmy will have that motivation.
"He will definitely be putting himself back in the position for rep selection next year. That is a great thing for the club."
Tamou was passed over when Meninga's squad was initially named earlier this month, with Canberra prop Shannon Boyd the bolter.
The 27-year-old Tamou couldn't even get a look in when Josh Papalii was ruled out with an ankle injury and Jake Trbojevic was called up.
Merrin missed out on NSW selection this year after joining the Panthers from St George Illawarra.
He was a key figure in their charge to the semi-finals.
Tamou's addition to Penrith's already big pack ensure it will be one of the best in the NRL in 2017.
"I am really excited about Jimmy coming over. He is a tough man and he plays the game tough," Merrin said.
"The best thing about it is he has played at the highest level in the game for a long time now and he is going to bring that over to the boys.
"He will be a mature head around the place. He is part of the culture that we are looking for in the future."
Merrin recently re-signed with Penrith alongside Tyrone Peachey, Matt Moylan and Bryce Cartright to ensure the Panthers have a talent-filled roster next year.
"It is a fantastic culture that we are building at the club," Merrin said.
"We all took a lot of confidence out of this year.
"It is great to have the same playing group together for the next few years
"There are great things to come."
