Just 10 days after they clash at Pepper Stadium, Greg Bird and Trent Merrin will most likely be NSW State of Origin teammates.
On Sunday they will be arch-rivals, and the spearheads of their packs in a crucial game for both teams.
Merrin has eased into some good form for his new club and, with Bryce Cartwright, poses a massive threat to the Titans’ defence with his offloading ability and footwork, especially close to the line.
Bird has been in tremendous form, playing both in the middle and creeping onto the edges, and lifted his teammates with his bullocking runs and tough defence.
Let’s see how their stats match up:
GREG BIRD
Games in 2016: 9
Career NRL games: 222
Tests: 17. Origins: 16
Age: 31
Weight: 102kg Height: 182cm
Debut: 2002 (rd 7 for Cronulla)
2016 games: 9
Average metres per game: 124
Average tackles per game: 21.4
Hit ups per game: 11.8
Offloads: 13
Line breaks: 0
TRENT MERRIN
Games in 2016: 9
Career NRL games: 132
Tests: 1 Origin 13
Age: 27
Weight: 103kg Height: 181cm
Debut: St George Illawarra def. Penrith (38-10) - 29-May-2009
2016 games: 9
Average metres per game: 146
Average tackles per game: 28
Hit ups per game: 13.6
Offloads: 17
Line breaks: 3
