Rabbitohs lose Merritt to Sharks

Souths have failed in a last-ditch attempt to re-sign young winger Nathan Merritt, who will play for Cronulla until at least the end of 2005.

Rabbitohs chief executive David Tapp says he's disappointed after the struggling NRL club made what he believed to be a reasonable offer. TAPP even phoned the 20-year-old Merritt 30 times on Sunday but was unable to reach him.

The Souths boss says he's been told by Merritt's manager Cameron Day the youngster wants to play with Sharks halfback Brett Kimmorley and has accepted a financial package he couldn't refuse.