Nathan Merritt

Nathan Merritt

Born on 26 May 1983, Nathan Deane Merritt is the grandson of Souths’ early 1960s winger and Life Member Eric Robinson.

Rovers To Rabbitohs

Merritt graduated from the junior club Alexandria Rovers to become South Sydney Rabbitohs’ leading try scorer in the club’s history. His 146 tries surpassed the legendary Benny Wearing’s previous record of 144.

Record Breaker

He broke the record in the 18-2 win over Penrith in Round 6, Friday the 11th of April 2014 at Sportingbet Stadium (Penrith Park). This record held until Alex Johnston crossed for his 3rd try in the 59th minute on Saturday night the 28th of May 2022 (Round 12) at Accor Stadium, Olympic Park. Souths eventually cruised to a 44-18 win over Wests Tigers after trailing 12-0 early.

Rabbitoh #974

Merritt became Souths’ first grade player #974 in the 2002 Round 9 loss to the Warriors 25-18 at Ericsson Stadium on Sunday the 12th of May. He was selected on the interchange bench, and fittingly scored a try.

Souths line-up that day was: Wade McKinnon; Scott McLean, Russell Richardson, Jason King, Brent Grose; Brad Watts, Brett Sheehan, Scott Geddes, Jason Death, Paul Stringer, Anthony Colella, Andrew Hart (c), Luke Stuart. Interchange: Shane Rigon, Nathan Merritt, Wes Maas, Paul McNicholas.

Career Stats

He went on the play 218 first grade games 2002-03; 2006-14 (Cronulla 2004-05), and is second only to John Sutton who played 336. In 2002-03 he played 19 games in reserve grade scoring 12 tries and two in third grade.

His 200th first grade appearance celebrations were soured in the 26-8 loss against Melbourne Storm at AAMI Park on Friday the 9th of August 2013. He was not in the 2014 winning grand final squad, but was an integral part of Souths’ road to their 21st premiership. He fell from favour mid-season. This paved the way for rising star Alex Johnston to cement a left wing position. AJ has held that spot to this day.

The Field Goal

During this career he scored 146 tries, kicked 34 goals and landed one memorable field goal, totalling 653 points.

The field goal was at the SCG against Wests Tigers in Round 10 on Sunday the 17th of May 2009. With 5 seconds to go and the score locked at 22-22. It was his first and only field goal, and Souths won a thrilling game 23-22.

5 Tries

With speed to burn, he knew his way to the try line, and was equally effective at right wing or full-back. He scored 5 tries on Monday night the 8th of August 2011 in the 56-6 romp over Parramatta at ANZ playing at full-back. The very next game, Sunday the 14th of August, the Road Runner (as some fans were calling him after the cartoon character) crossed for 3 tries in the 47-14 win over Canberra at Canberra Stadium. This feat gave him 8 tries in the space of 6 days.

Rep Honours

In all he scored 8 hat-tricks. This included the unforgettable 52-12 win over the Roosters in Round one 2009 at the SFS. Another was the 50-10 romp over the Wests Tigers in Round 10 at the SCG. He played for NSW State Of Origin in game 2, 2013 losing 26-6 at Brisbane (nil tries).

Merritt represented the Prime Ministers X111 twice during 2006-11 (2 tries), Indigenous All Stars in 3 games (3 tries) 2010-12, and 2 games for City Origin 2011 and 2013 (nil tries).

A Remarkable Achievment

In 2006 Souths finished last with only 3 wins, but Merritt somehow finished that season as the Dally M leading try scorer with 22 tries in 24 games, a remarkable achievement. It was the only time in the game’s history that the leading try scorer played for a team that finished last on the competition ladder. He was also leading try scorer in 2011.

Nathan’s uncle Graham Merritt played lower grades at Souths in 1988-89. Dad Tony Merritt was a tough hard running footballer who also played for the Alexandria Rovers.

Awards

Nathan Merritt awards/achievements: Dally M leading try scorer 2006 and 2011, Dally M Headline moment 2009, George Piggins Medallist for Best and Fairest 2011, Jack Rayner Players’ Player 2006 and 2008, Roy Asotasi Souths’ Members Choice award 2009 and The Burrow Player of the Year 2006 and 2009.

On retirement at the end of 2014, he and various elite athletes set up the Nathan Merritt Foundation. The foundation provided support and mentoring for Indigenous youth in the South Sydney area, focusing particularly on Redfern.

“I absolutely loved playing for South Sydney. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little kid jumping the fence at Redfern Oval to watch guys like Mario Fenech and Craig Coleman”, he said.

Nathan Merritt was awarded Life Membership of the SSDRLFC in 2015.

Nathan Merritt

By Brad Ryder for Bunnies TV.