Panther 133
57 matches [1977-1979]
36 points [12 tries]
Stats: themightypanthers.com/players_merlo-paul.htm
Newcastle junior who debuted for the Panthers in 1977.
Merlo was a hard working second rower who played every match in both his debut season as well as the 1978 season.
He would make 13 further appearances in 1979 before departing Penrith at season’s end to go to Western Suburbs. He would play at the Magpies for three seasons (including an appearance for NSW in 1982) and three more at Cronulla before heading back to Newcastle, where he became a stalwart of the Newcastle Souths club.
The Mighty Panthers 