South Sydney Rabbitohs NRL legend Nathan Merritt has bravely revealed his devastating diagnosis of Stage 4 oesophageal and liver cancer. The former prolific try-scorer, still only 42 years old, received the initial oesophageal cancer diagnosis in November last year, with the grim news of liver cancer following in February.
Merritt, a beloved figure in rugby league, shared his courageous outlook, vowing to fight the illness with all his might and expressing a strong desire to “stay alive for as long as possible.” He admitted that it was only a few weeks ago that he learned the full extent of his condition, confirming it as Stage 4.
“I’ve been diagnosed with stage four cancer – oesophagus and liver cancer,” Merritt stated, sharing the difficult news. “It’s a tough pill to swallow for my kids and family. But it’s good – it’s going to be a tough one, but I’m going to fight through it.”
The former NRL star is currently undergoing treatment, which he described as focused on managing the illness. “All of this treatment is now just about trying to maintain it with chemo, and doing my best to stay alive as long as possible,” he explained.
A Storied NRL Career
Merritt’s career in the National Rugby League (NRL) was nothing short of spectacular. He hung up his boots in 2014, leaving behind an impressive legacy as one of the game’s most consistent and exciting try-scorers. Across 237 games, Merritt crossed the try line a remarkable 154 times.
His most significant impact was undoubtedly felt at the South Sydney Rabbitohs, where he played 218 of his NRL matches. His electrifying performances for the iconic Redfern club cemented his status as a club legend.
Prior to his long stint with the Rabbitohs, Merritt also had a brief but impactful period with the Cronulla Sharks. He played 19 games for the Sharks in the 2004 and 2005 seasons, showcasing his try-scoring prowess from the outset of his career.
Representative Honours
Beyond his club commitments, Nathan Merritt also earned recognition at the highest levels of representative football. His talent was acknowledged when he represented New South Wales in one game at the prestigious State of Origin series, the pinnacle of interstate rugby league.
Merritt also proudly donned the jersey for the Indigenous All Stars team on three occasions, a testament to his strong connection to his heritage and his standing within the Indigenous rugby league community. Furthermore, he was selected to play for the Prime Minister’s XIII twice, an honour that highlights his standing as one of the country’s top players.
The news of Merritt’s diagnosis has sent ripples of shock and sadness through the rugby league community, with many former teammates, rivals, and fans sending their support and well wishes as he embarks on this challenging battle. His courage in speaking openly about his fight is an inspiration to many.
