Nathan Merritt has shared a heartbreaking health update, revealing he has been given about 12 months to live after being diagnosed with cancer.
The 42-year-old was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in November and liver cancer in February.
He is preparing to begin a third round of chemotherapy.
Before then, Merritt will attend the NRL Good Friday clash between the South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bulldogs, where he will ring the Rabbitohs’ Legacy Bell as the club raises funds to support him and his family.
“It’s going to be something special,” Merritt told the NRL.
“It’s going to be a highlight of the remainder of my life. It will be a special occasion for me and my family and special to do it with my family.
“I’m happy Souths have given me the opportunity to ring the bell and be part of this game. It’s a credit to the club and the people behind the scenes who have worked tirelessly to put this together.
“I can’t thank them enough for giving me this special treatment and making me feel part of the Rabbitohs family.
“I’m a Rabbitohs man through and through, I grew up supporting Souths and still support them to this day. For them to go out of their way to do this for me, I’m very thankful and will enjoy every moment of it.”
South Sydney will also host a fundraising raffle and luncheon on Good Friday.
“Nathan Merritt gave everything to the South Sydney Rabbitohs across a remarkable career. One of the greatest try scorers in rugby league history, his contribution to the game will never be forgotten,” the club said.
“Now it’s our turn to give something back. We’re coming together as a community to support Nathan and his family with ongoing medical expenses and to help secure their future.”
Merritt said he will undergo a total of five rounds of chemotherapy before reassessing his situation with doctors.
“It’s going to be a tiring battle but it’s what I’ve got to do,” he said.
“I’ll try my best and see how I go.”
The father of five said he is trying to stay strong for his children but admits the emotional toll can be overwhelming at times.
“I think about all the things I’m going to miss out on and the things they’re going to miss out on,” he told News Corp.
“Those situations hurt. It’s hard sometimes. I’m just trying to stay as positive as I can and trying to be brave and strong for my kids.
“I don’t want my kids seeing me vulnerable. At the end of the day, they need their dad to be strong for them to be strong.
“I know it’s tough with all the s*** that I’m going through but I need to be good spirits. I’m doing my best. It takes a lot out of you, especially if you starting thinking negatively.
“You have your ups and downs, mentally and physically, and you can become an emotional wreck.”
Merritt’s current battle comes after he made a full recovery from being placed on life support in 2023 following an adverse reaction to prescription medication.
He played 218 of his 237 first-grade games with the club.
When he retired in 2014, he held the Rabbitohs’ all-time try-scoring record with 146 tries, a milestone which was later surpassed by Alex Johnston.
Current Rabbitohs star Jack Wighton said Merritt’s impact on the club would never be forgotten, calling him “one of the greats”.
“He’s someone I looked up to coming through. I looked up to him when I was playing and he was still running around,” Wighton said.
“The club loves him. I got to know him a little bit outside football and he’s an absolute champion. It’s going to be awesome to see him there, hopefully in good spirits ringing the bell.
“Nathan Merritt is Nathan Merritt — everyone loved him, and everyone wanted to be like him coming through. He’s one of a kind.”
Since retiring, Merritt has remained closely connected to the Rabbitohs through their community program Souths Cares and establishing his own charity, the Nathan Merritt Foundation in 2014.
Image: Instagram
