Rabbitohs icon Nathan Merritt is fighting for life after being found unresponsive.
According to a report from The Daily Telegraph, the 40-year old collapsed while staying with a family member on Friday afternoon, having suffered an adverse reaction to pain medication.
Merritt was rushed to the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown in a serious condition, and has reportedly been placed on life support.
“Nathan is in the thoughts and prayers of every Rabbitoh at the moment,” Rabbitohs CEO Blake Solly said on Saturday morning.
Merritt played in the Koori Knockout last weekend on the NSW Central Coast and onlookers claimed the winger sustained a concussion during a game.
It has not been confirmed whether the head knock is related to his condition.
Merritt was a beloved figure at the Rabbitohs through a 12-year career spanning between 2002 and 2014, playing 218 matches and scoring a remarkable 146 tries – only Alex Johnston among Rabbitohs has more.
After a brief stint with Cronulla from 2004-05, the 40-year old returned to the club he started at in 2006, leading the NRL in tries that year before repeating the dose in 2011 – the latter coming in a wooden spoon year.
Merritt fell out of favour due to Johnston’s emergence in 2014, ultimately missing the Rabbitohs’ drought-breaking premiership win.
The winger’s 218 appearances is fourth all-time for the club, while his 154 career tries are the equal-12th most of all time.
Merritt, a Redfern local, also represented at the highest level with one appearance for NSW in the 2013 State of Origin series, two Australian Prime Minister’s XIII appearances and two City Origin appearances.
He also represented the NRL Indigenous All Stars three times and was awarded the Preston Campbell Medal for his man-of-the-match performance in the 2012 Indigenous All Stars game.
(with AAP)
Nat
Roar Guru
Ohh, Awkward deflection. Obviously your lack of respect stems deep. You chose this path in life that’s why daddy doesn’t give you any respect. Does mummy still defend you though?
The Barry
Roar Guru
Time and place…
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
But it was Glory that played with Nathan's dad. Not mine Nat
Nat
Roar Guru
How low that you need to troll even the saddest of stories. Dad must be so proud.
Maddi Davis
Roar Rookie
That makes you a young Rugby League fan mate. Good on you!
Glory Bound
Roar Rookie
I was deeply saddened when I saw this story break. I went to school and played footy with Nathan's dad. I spoke to Nathan once after a game on the Central Coast and mentioned playing with his dad for the Redfern All Blacks. My thoughts and best wishes go out to Nathan and his family.
Pickett
Roar Rookie
God bless you Merritt.
Hard Yards
Roar Rookie
Oh no. Live each day as if it is your last, but plan as if you are going to live forever.
KillaKanga
Roar Rookie
Nate was a gun and always put the effort in, he was a pleasure to watch and I don't much care for the bunnies.
southside
Roar Rookie
A classic to watch at his best good luck nathan
The Barry
Roar Guru
That’s terrible news… hope he pulls through
Succhi
Roar Rookie
Thoughts and prayers are with him.
JGK
Roar Guru
Such horrible news.
Tony
Roar Guru
Sheesh! :unhappy: