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- Disgusting claims have surfaced on social media
A famous Indigenous rugby league club has revealed Nathan Merritt and his family have been left shattered by false claims he has died as he battles two types of stage-four cancer.
The Redfern All Blacks football club has posted a warning to footy fans after Merritt and his large family were left distressed by ‘incorrect news’ that the NRL cult hero had passed away.
‘These reports are completely false and deeply distressing for the family,’ the All Blacks said in an Instagram post.
‘We kindly ask that everyone refrain from sharing unverified information and respect the privacy of Nathan and his loved ones during this time.
‘Spreading incorrect news can cause unnecessary harm and confusion.’
The Daily Mail exclusively revealed the details surrounding Merritt’s cancer diagnoses last month, with the 42-year-old speaking bravely about what lies ahead.
The famous Redfern All Blacks Indigenous rugby league club has warned fans about false claims being made about Souths legend Nathan Merritt
Merritt (pictured) made a rare public appearance for the recent Good Friday clash between the Rabbitohs and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs at Accor Stadium
The Bunnies great (pictured) spoke to The Daily Mail last month to exclusively reveal his heartbreaking double stage four cancer diagnosis
‘I’ve been diagnosed with stage-four cancer – oesophagus and liver cancer,’ Merritt told us from near his Sydney home.
‘It’s a bit of tough news to swallow, but I’ve just got to keep fighting ’til the end.
‘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 rugby league has since rallied around the Bunnies great, with a GoFundMe page being created to assist him, and his family with his treatment journey.
Merritt was also recently honoured by South Sydney at what could be one of the final NRL matches he ever attends.
The 237-game veteran rang the legacy bell before his side defeated the Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs on Good Friday at Accor Stadium.
Merritt’s moment in the sun came days after he found out he has less than 12 months to live.
‘I will be lucky to get past 12 months,’ Merritt told News Corp.
Merritt (pictured) rang the Bunnies’ legacy bell before their win on Good Friday
The NRL great (second row, fourth from right) is pictured catching up with some of his Souths teammates including Luke Burgess, Dean Widders and Scott Geddes
Merritt (pictured in his playing days) enjoyed a long and glittering career in the NRL
‘It feels like your soul has been taken away,’ the 42-year-old added.
‘There are nights when I have my little breakdowns and think about my kids.
‘I think about all the things I’m going to miss out on and the things they’re going to miss out on.
‘I don’t know how many more football games I will be going to after this one.’
