Nathan Merritt’s family have provided an update on the South Sydney great’s condition, stating he remains in “critical condition” after being found unresponsive on Friday afternoon.
“On behalf of Nathan and our family, we would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and prayers,” his sister, Teanne, wrote on Facebook.
Merritt was taken to hospital and placed on life support after being found unresponsive on Friday afternoon, the Daily Telegraph first reported.
Merritt was with his aunty when he collapsed and was taken to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown after the incident. His collapse was reportedly due to a reaction to prescribed pain relief medication.
“We are grateful for everyone’s support through this tough time. We will update you when we can.”
Nathan Merritt’s NRL career
Merritt, an Indigenous Australian, tallied a remarkable 154 career tries as he became a Rabbitohs cult favourite.
He would make his debut against the Warriors in the 2002 season, scoring a try in limited game time.
The winger spent two years at Cronulla from 2004–2005, before making his return to South Sydney in 2006, a season in which he led all try-scorers with 22 despite his side finishing last.
Making 218 appearances and 146 tries for South Sydney, Merritt sits fourth all-time in games played for the proud club.
Merritt made two appearances for the Prime Minister’s XIII and one for New South Wales in his career.
The club legend passed Benny Wearing’s Rabbitohs record of 144 tries in 2014, albeit he would eventually leave the NRL that year.
Since that time, Alex Johnston has surpassed Merritt’s amazing accomplishment.