Retiring Rabbitoh Nathan Merritt’s South Sydney teammates Greg Inglis and John Sutton have praised the record-breaking winger as instrumental in creating the culture that has taken them from easybeats to NRL premiership favourites.
Ahead of the Rabbitohs third successive preliminary final, against Sydney Roosters on Friday, Souths all-time leading tryscorer Merritt announced his retirement on Wednesday.
Merritt broke Benny Wearing’s long-standing Rabbitohs all-time tryscoring record with his 145th first grade try in round six against Penrith, but has only played a handful of games since.
The 31-year-old won’t play at ANZ Stadium against the Roosters but superstar fullback Greg Inglis, who moved to Redfern from Melbourne ahead of the 2011 season, said Merritt had helped them get there.
“I have known Nathan pretty much since I started and he was one of the drawcards that brought me here,” Inglis said at the announcement which was also attended by teammates Sutton, Sam Burgess and Adam Reynolds, coach Michael Maguire and chief executive Shane Richardson.
“He is pretty much South Sydney Rabbitohs. he came from the area, he grew up in the area.
“He is all about the team and he was one of the main reasons I came here.”
Merritt began his career with Souths in 2002, when they re-entered the competition after two season of exclusion.
He moved to Cronulla for 2004, the year Sutton debuted with the Rabbitohs, and 2005 before returning to Redfern in 2006.
“Back then I wasn’t the most consistent player and I could throw the ball anywhere and he would be there to catch it,” Sutton said.
“He would be on the left and score a try on the right …
“He is a champion bloke, all the boys love him, his tryscoring record speaks for itself.
“He was important in holding us together (back then), he was the only one who was scoring tries for us.
“Back in `06 when he got the leading tryscorer we only won three games all year, that is some sort of record there.
Richardson added: “It wasn’t just about scoring tries in those days, it was about giving Souths hope.
“Nathan Merritt returning to the club and John Sutton having the character to stay with the club was the beginning of the club turning around to where we are today.”
It was a teary Merritt who called time on his 236-game 13 year NRL career.
“It’s pretty emotional, the big focus for me is to embrace it and go out and support the boys this week,” he said.
“The decision was easy footy-wise, body-wise, it has taken its toll, I didn’t think I could go through another pre-season.
“It is a great time, I am just here to support the boys, I might not be in the team, but we are all one group.
“It is something I’m happy about and I’m proud of what I have achieved in the game.
“It has been a remarkable ride at the top level … something I thought I would never do.”
Merritt (218) has played the second most Rabbitohs games behind Sutton (227).
He said he rated his five tries in the round 22 win over Parramatta in 2011 as his favourite tryscoring feat.
He rated making his Rabbitohs debut in 2002 as a career highlight over his one State of Origin game for NSW last year.
Merritt will soon launch the Nathan Merritt Foundation, aimed at helping indigenous youth.
G-rub
Guest
Got to feel a bit sorry for the way he was treated this year. South's FINALLY make a grandfinal and no club loyalty tuquri rocks up when he should be retired and takes his spot all year. Pretty average from the coach in my eyes.
MAX
Guest
Gave everything, asked for nothing. Highly respected at Belmore. His field goal on the run is in my mind forever. Only NM could do that. No doubt you will succeed at your new challenge as you did on the paddock.
Nate
Guest
Champion!