South Sydney’s all-time leading tryscorer Nathan Merritt has announced his retirement from the NRL after 13 seasons and 236 games.

“I’m proud to have worn the red and green,” Merritt said on Wednesday, flanked by his teammates, coach Michael Maguire, chief executive Shane Richardson, family and friends.

“It’s been a remarkable ride … something I never thought I would do.”

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Merritt broke Benny Wearing’s long-standing Rabbitohs all-time tryscoring record with his 145th first-grade try in round six against Penrith, but has played only two games since.

Maguire has preferred boom rookie Alex Johnston, who has 16 tries in 19 games and will play in Souths’ preliminary final against bitter arch-rivals the Sydney Roosters at ANZ Stadium on Friday night.

Souths feeder club North Sydney failed to make the finals, which means Merritt hasn’t played in a month, given the NSW Cup season ended a week before the NRL.

Merritt grew up in Redfern and played his junior football with Alexandria Rovers in the South Sydney junior competition.

He has spent all but two of his seasons with the Rabbitohs, playing with Cronulla in 2004 and 2005.