Souths re-sign Merritt 'til 2011 in NRL

Nathan Merritt, the NRL's leading tryscorer of 2006, has re-signed with South Sydney until the end of 2011 season.

Merritt, 24, made his debut for the Rabbitohs in 2002 before playing with the Sharks in 2004 and 2005 and returning to Redfern in 2006.

Merritt's re-signing means he will join fellow Rabbitohs Roy Asotasi, David Faalogo,John Sutton and Craig Wing as players contracted with the club until the end of 2011.

"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," Rabbitohs Director of Football Operations Shane 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."

Merritt said: "Souths is my junior club and I've always wanted to play in the red and green.

"We had a bit of success last year but I think we can achieve more. It all starts next week (in the March 14 season-opener at Sydney's Olympic Stadium) against the Roosters and I'm getting ready to make my return to footy in that game."

Merritt missed South Sydney's first finals appearance for 18 years because of a leg injury last season.