South Sydney winger Nathan Merritt says he is in the best form of his career as his State of Origin selection D-Day nears.

After playing a key role in the resurrection of the Rabbitohs and with a career record of 146 tries from 208 games, the calls for Merritt’s selection in Laurie Daley’s NSW side continue to come.

But the Souths flyer remains locked in a battle with Brett Morris, Akuila Uate, and Jarryd Hayne for the Blues wing spots.

Merritt has scored eight tries in nine games this year as Souths have rocketed to the top of the NRL ladder alongside Melbourne.

The 29-year-old Merritt earned just his second representative jersey this season with City, on top of a 2011 call-up, and said being part of one of the NRL’s leading sides had helped him develop his game further.

“This is probably the best form I have been in,” Merritt said on Tuesday.

“Team wise it has helped me a lot the way the team has been going. I’m really enjoying the my football but I know I still have a lot more improving to do and that is something I am working hard on.

Injuries to Morris (knee) and Brett Stewart (back, hamstring), with Hayne possibly moving to fullback to cover for the loss of the Manly custodian, could open the door further for Merritt.

And Merritt said he would be happy to take a NSW jersey anyway he can get it, even if it comes due to injuries to his fellow hopefuls.

“Either way you get selected, you get selected,” Merritt said.

“Any opportunity I will take it, it would be awesome. Whether you get selected through injury or performance you would take it either way.”

With Daley to name his team on May 26, Merritt still has time to impress, but former New Zealand captain and Souths teammate Roy Asotasi said he shouldn’t have to.

“How he hasn’t been selected is a mystery,” Asotasi said.

“How many tries does he have to score?”