NRL legend Nathan Merritt shares devastating update on cancer battle after being given 12 months to live

South Sydney legend Nathan Merritt has revealed he has been given about 12 months to live.

The 42-year-old, a father of five, was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in November and liver cancer in February.

He is about to embark on a third round of chemotherapy in a bid to extend his life expectancy.

But before then he will attend the Rabbitohs’ Good Friday clash with Canterbury — and ring the club’s Legacy Bell before the game as the club raises funds for the much-loved former speedster.

“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 are hosting 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 have a total of five rounds of chemotherapy before reassessing the situation with his 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 237-game veteran said he needs to be strong for his family but occasionally has “little breakdowns” thinking about his kids.

“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 following an adverse reaction to prescription medication in 2023.

He is one of the most beloved figures in South Sydney’s modern history, playing 218 of his 237 first-grade games across two stints at the Redfern club.

He was the Rabbitohs’ all-time leading try-scorer with 146 four-pointers when he retired in 2014; Alex Johnston is the only man to have passed him in the years since.

The news of Merritt’s cancer battle was revealed hours before Johnston broke the all-time try-scoring record.

“He’s one of the greats,” Rabbitohs star Jack Wighton said on Thursday.

“He’s someone I looked up to coming through. I looked up to him when I was playing and he was still running around.

“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.”

In retirement, Merritt has remained involved with the Rabbitohs through their community organisation Souths Cares and established his own charity, the Nathan Merritt Foundation, in 2014.

- with AAP