Nathan Merritt charged with assault, affray

Legendary South Sydney Rabbitohs player Nathan Merritt has been hit with criminal charges over an alleged early morning incident involving a licensed venue’s security and his partner.

Rabbitohs legend Nathan Merritt allegedly assaulted his partner and then tussled with security outside a licensed venue in the early hours on Sunday morning, landing him with criminal charges.

The retired NRL star will face Downing Centre Local Court charged with common assault and affray over the incident last Sunday.

The Daily Telegraph previously reported Merritt had already been hit with an interim apprehended domestic violence order for his partner Faith Phillips’ protection on Monday before police laid charges on Tuesday.

A NSW Police spokeswoman said police were called to a park on Chalmers St, Surry Hills following reports of an alleged assault.

Nathan Merritt. Picture: Zak Simmonds

“Officers attached to Surry Hills Police Area Command were told there was a fight between a 41-year-old man and security at a licensed premises on Devonshire St, Surry Hills,” the spokeswoman said in a statement.

“It is alleged the man assaulted a 48-year-old woman – known to him – on the same street a short time before the fight.”

No injuries were reported.

Nathan Merritt. Picture: Stewart McLean

Merritt was arrested in Mascot today and taken to Mascot police station where he was charged.

He was granted bail to face court tomorrow, where the apprehended domestic violence order sought by police will also be mentioned.

The provisional order already in place against Merritt prevents him from approaching Ms Phillips for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs, or from going to her place of residence or employment.

The 41-year-old scored 154 tries during 237 games during his stellar NRL career spanning from 2002 to 2014.

South Sydney's Nathan Merritt. Picture: Brett Costello