- Devastating update has been made public
South Sydney Rabbitohs legend Nathan Merritt has provided an update on his cancer journey, revealing he only has another 12 months to live.
The footy great has been undergoing chemotherapy treatment over the last two to three weeks in an effort to halt the progress of his stage-four oesophagus and liver cancers.
Merritt exclusively revealed to The Daily Mail last month that he was battling the killer disease on two fronts, and has now confirmed the grim outlook for his future.
‘I’ve been through two rounds of chemo so far. I’ll have three more rounds and then take a break,’ the father of five said.
‘After that, we’ll reassess, speak to the doctors, and see where we go from there.
‘It’s going to be a tiring battle, but it’s what I’ve got to do. I’ll try my best and see how I go.’
Nathan Merritt (pictured after speaking to The Daily Mail in March) has provided a shattering update on his battle with cancer
The South Sydney Rabbitohs legend (pictured) has been battling stage-four oesophagus and liver cancers
Merritt (pictured playing for Souths in 2014) is set to play a starring role at the traditional Good Friday clash between the Bunnies and the Bulldogs
Rabbitohs fans will be able to see Merritt when he makes a rare public appearance at Accor Stadium for the traditional Good Friday Rabbitohs vs Bulldogs clash.
He has revealed he fears it could be one of the last games he is able to attend.
‘I will be lucky to get past 12 months,’ Merritt told News Corp.
‘It feels like your soul has been taken away.
‘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.
‘They [his doctors] are thinking 12 months – I will be lucky to get past 12 months.
The former Souths winger (second from right) is pictured with family members. He has revealed he has ‘little breakdowns’ when he thinks about what the future holds for his five children
Merritt (pictured with current Souths star Jack Wighton) wants to see the Bunnies win their 22nd premiership before the cancers take their final toll
‘If chemo works out, it might extend.
‘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.’
Merritt will ring Souths’ legacy bell in front of a crowd expected to be around 50,000 strong on Good Friday.
‘It’s going to be something special,’ the former winger told NRL.com.
‘It’s going to be a highlight of the remainder of my life … and will be a special occasion for me and my family.
‘I’m happy Souths have given me the opportunity to ring the bell and be part of this game.’
Merritt has revealed the ‘dying wish’ he’s desperate to see come true in the next 12 months.
‘To see Souths win another comp, that would be a great way to go out,’ he told the SMH.
A Souths fan favourite, Merritt was the foundation club’s most prolific try-scorer for eight seasons, until his record was overtaken by fellow Indigenous winger Alex Johnston in 2022.
Merritt was the NRL’s top try-scorer in the 2006 season and his form earned him a spot in the NSW State of Origin side in 2013.
He scored 154 tries across his career, claiming 146 for South Sydney, and eight in a short stint with the Cronulla Sharks.
