It's quite apparent Nix are taking view that they will go to any means to have their young players play anywhere anytime they want. I think they're being bloody minded about what it takes to develop players - I'm ok with that principle; but think they crossed a line in revoking a fully pro contract temporarily. Once you are a pro you fight for a place. If they're not ready to do that, they shouldn't sign them as a pro.
And frankly, given the season was done for us some weeks sometime before the end of league, Merrick continued to play players who were leaving, retiring or out of form instead of giving young players on pro contracts a go - yet the club now cries "they need more game time". Go figure.