‘He’s a fighter’: Merritt’s family provide update with South Sydney legend in ‘critical condition’
The sister of Nathan Merritt has provided an update on the South Sydney Rabbitohs legend, revealing he is still in a “critical condition” on Sunday morning.
The report claimed Merritt had a serious adverse reaction after he consumed prescribed pain medication.
The 40-year-old was immediately transported to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown where his condition was listed as serious.
In an update on Sunday morning, Merritt’s sister Teanne described her brother as a “fighter” and said the family was “grateful” for the support they had received.
“On behalf of Nathan and our family, we would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and prayers,” she posted on Facebook.
“Nathan is still in a critical condition but he’s a fighter.
“We are grateful for everyone’s support through this tough time. We will update you when we can.”
Merritt’s family, friends and former teammates were reportedly informed of his condition as he fights for his life.
Rabbitohs chief executive Blake Solly said: “Nathan is in the thoughts and prayers of every Rabbitoh at the moment.”
The Souths great made over 200 appearances for the club and scored a staggering 146 tries in that span.
Merritt, who played at wing and fullback in his lengthy NRL career, was the league’s leading tryscorer for three seasons and was the 9th player in the history of the sport to score 150 total tries.
He also earned several representative honours in his glittering career.
Merritt made two appearances for the PM’s XIII and scored two tries as well as three games for the Indigenous All-Stars with three tries to boot.
He made his only appearance for New South Wales in Game Two of the 2013 State of Origin series as a result of Blake Ferguson’s suspension.
Merritt retired from rugby league in 2014, the season in which South Sydney won its first premiership in 43 years.