A lot of people like to pick on him for fun on here because of his past non-origin selection. Here is how I judge the career of Nathan Merritt.
Before Origin: While his tackling technique was always shithouse, the guy could at least could clean up balls being kicked into the in-goal. I thought he finished most try scoring opportunities well and could sniff out a try from magic. When Inglis was injured, he actually went really well at fullback. While he was not the greatest ever, he was a competent first grader.
After origin: The guy is a different footballer. He has lost some pace and most importantly....anticipation. He does not look to sniff out opportunities in the middle anymore. Everything he seems to do turns to shit these days. I don't think I've seen such a difference in a player after an origin game ever. He does not look like he is enjoying his footy as well.
Before Origin: While his tackling technique was always shithouse, the guy could at least could clean up balls being kicked into the in-goal. I thought he finished most try scoring opportunities well and could sniff out a try from magic. When Inglis was injured, he actually went really well at fullback. While he was not the greatest ever, he was a competent first grader.
After origin: The guy is a different footballer. He has lost some pace and most importantly....anticipation. He does not look to sniff out opportunities in the middle anymore. Everything he seems to do turns to shit these days. I don't think I've seen such a difference in a player after an origin game ever. He does not look like he is enjoying his footy as well.
