South Sydney had nothing to lose against the Manly Sea Eagles, and to their credit acted accordingly against a side vying for a minor premiership.
The Rabbitohs were exuberant with the ball in hand with fullback Nathan Merritt crossing for a hat trick in a brilliant display of attacking football.
In what has been another ailing year for South Sydney, Merritt has stood tall in season 2008.
He is just one of four players from the Rabbitohs to have played in every game this season, not to mention he is once again their leading try scorer with 11 four pointers next to his name.
Against the Sea Eagles, Merritt was heavily involved in everything the Rabbitohs put together . He eagerly backed up his forwards with great support play and was always a threat with the ball in hand.
Despite the lean season suffered by South’s, Merritt has transformed himself into a real match winner and has became one of the most improved players in the NRL.
Let us not forget that it was Merritt in 2006 who led the try scoring charts at season’s end despite the Rabbitohs finishing with the wooden spoon.
That effort alone testifies how far the Rabbitohs fullback has come since his inconsistent days at the Cronulla Sharks. Merritt has gone from being a fringe first grader to possible rep player in the space of two seasons.
He is one of those ’Preston Campbell’ type players. You never know what could happen when the footy is in their possession.
Unfortunately for Manly, Merritt opened his box of tricks on a Sunday afternoon where points were scored at a rapid rate.
The Rabbitohs fullback made 175 metres against the Sea Eagles, not to mention scoring three tries in the process.
It just goes to show how dangerous a player like Merritt can be if given enough opportunity and space to perform.
Earlier in the season, Merritt was bereft of chances in attack mainly due to the injury of superstar recruit Craig Wing and a lack in form by front rowers, Roy Asotasi and David Faalogo.
But with seemingly nothing to play for in season 2008, Asotasi and co. have conspired to display their best form and allow the likes of Merritt, Wing and Luke the freedom to score points for their side.
Faalogo in particular was strong against the Sea Eagles, racking up 30 tackles in defence, whilst producing 8 hitups for 105 metres.
If the rest of South Sydney’s forward pack can produce that effort on a constant basis, Merritt will no doubt take full advantage of the opportunities given to him.
While it is too little too late for the Rabbitohs in leagues centenary year, coach Jason Taylor will be pleased with Merritt’s performance against one of the heavyweights of the competition.
Taylor now knows that if Merritt is given space, the fullback can mix it with the best attackers the NRL has to offer.
He has got both the skills and the speed to cause opposition defences the world of worry.
Just ask the Manly Sea Eagles.
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