Nathan Merritt has been around South Sydney long enough to witness several false new dawns, but senses something very special is brewing at the NRL club under new coach Michael Maguire.
Merritt made his debut for the Rabbitohs in 2002 and, aside from a two-year stint at Cronulla, has been virtually ever-present in the side since his return to Redfern in 2006.
In that time, there has been just one finals appearance by the Rabbitohs – back in 2007 – despite some heavy player investment in recent years.
Maguire will be the fifth coach Merritt has worked under at Souths, and the latest man to be entrusted with the task of ending the club’s 41-year wait for a premiership.
And according to 28-year-old Merritt, the change of mentality and culture under Maguire, who guided English giants Wigan to a first Super League title in more than a decade in his debut season in 2010, has met approval from all of the players.
“Madge (Maguire) has brought something different to the club,” Merritt told AAP.
“Training has been gruelling and really tough. That is something that has been lacking in the past.
“He is slowly changing the culture at the club and time will tell how it goes, but we need to improve on last year.
“We should be a side that is in the finals at a minimum and that has to be our goal this year.”
Merritt enjoyed a stellar campaign in 2011, crossing for 23 tries – his best return for a season.
Five of those tries came in one game against Parramatta and, despite always featuring high on the NRL scoring charts, Merritt has given up any hope of representative honours for NSW or for City.
“I think my rep chances are pretty slim. I can’t see myself getting a run for NSW or City now,” he said.
“I’m not expecting a call-up. All I want to do is do my best for my people and my heritage in this All Stars game and take that into the new season with Souths.”
Merritt has more than 20 family members coming up from Sydney to the Gold Coast for the All Stars clash at Skilled Park on Saturday and said the match is always the highlight of his season.
“My kids, my parents will all be here,” he said.
“They come up every year and love this game. It is great for them to see so many great players on show and a great occasion for all indigenous people.”