Merritt 2009-11 Contract Extension
6th March 2008
South Sydney flyer Nathan Merritt has re-signed with the Rabbitohs for a further four seasons today, linking him with his junior Club until the completion of the 2011 season.
Merritt, 24, is regarded as one of the most electrifying outside backs in the game, being crowned the NRL's leading try scorer in 2006 with 22 tries. Merritt, an Alexandria Rovers junior, made his debut for the Rabbitohs in 2002 against the New Zealand Warriors before playing a short stint with the Sharks in 2004 and 2005. Merritt returned to Redfern in 2006, setting the NRL alight with his blistering speed and ability to read play from the back. Merritt's re-signing means he will join fellow Rabbitohs stars Roy Asotasi, David Fa'alogo, John Sutton and Craig Wing as players contracted with the Club until the end of 2011.
Rabbitohs Director of Football Operations, Shane Richardson, says this signing speaks volumes for the change in culture at the Rabbitohs. "In previous years, South Sydney has struggled to keep its juniors but now we see the likes of Nathan Merritt and John Sutton committing to the Club for extended periods of time," Mr Richardson said. "Nathan is the type of player we feel can become a leader at the Club. He is a South Sydney junior, he understands what it means to pull on the red and green jersey and the honour that goes with that. He knows it takes hard work and commitment to reach the heights he has and we know there is better to come from him. "We're very happy he's decided to join Roy, David, John and Craig as long term players with Souths."
Merritt said he is pleased he will be with the Rabbitohs for at least four more years. "Souths is my junior Club and I've always wanted to play in the red and green," Merritt said. "We had a bit of success last year but I think we can achieve more. It all starts next week against the Roosters and I'm getting ready to make my return to footy in that game. "It's exciting to know I'm going to be a part of this Club for at least the next four years and hopefully for a few more years after that. "It's a big season for the Club, especially being the Centenary year, and it's great to be part of it."