ERNIE MERRICK RESPONDS TO NABBOUT’S DEPARTURE

Jets coach Ernie Merrick says he was never going to stand in Andrew Nabbout’s way, once a big offer from Japan was put on the table.
It follows criticism of the timing by some fans.
“Look it’s a great opportunity for him, 2 years of great service to this club, scoring goals for fun, and he really wanted that chance so let’s give him the chance to go overseas and see what he can do in a very big league.”
“It was the time to go, off he went gives us time, five weeks to prepare other players for the finals.”
The Jets face the Phoenix in Auckland on Saturday.