New update on Nathan Merritt's condition as South Sydney Rabbitohs break silence

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have broken their silence on Nathan Merritt's condition saying they are "happy to hear" he is improving. Souths explained that they didn't feel it was appropriate to comment before now out of respect for Merritt and his family.

News emerged on Saturday that the 40-year-old was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital after being found unresponsive at his auntie's house. The NRL legend is thought to have had an adverse reaction to consuming prescribed pain medication and collapsed.

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Merritt's condition is said to be "improving slightly" after spending the past few days in a Sydney hospital with his Souths saying the thoughts of everyone connected to the club are with Merritt. " Out of respect for the privacy of Nathan and the Merritt family, the Rabbitohs and Souths Care have chosen not to comment on his situation up until now," the club said in a statement on Wednesday.

"We are so happy to hear directly from his immediate family that Merro's condition is improving," the statement read. "He is being looked after by the best medical practitioners, and he is in the thoughts of everyone connected to the Rabbitohs."

"It will be a slow recovery, but it's a battle he's in with all our support,' it said. "Keep fighting hard with that South Sydney spirit, Merro! You're always a Rabbitoh."

Souths legend's condition improving

It was initially reported by News Corp on Sunday that Merritt's organs had been impacted, but on Monday it emerged that his lung capacity had since increased and the internal swelling had decreased. "Nathan is still serious and he's not out of the woods but there is a slight improvement," one friend said.

"There are some encouraging signs, which are good. His lung capacity has increased," they said. "Hopefully he can get a little bit better every day. It's a slow process."

Merritt's sister Teanne took to Facebook on Saturday to thank the community for the outpouring of love and support. “On behalf of Nathan and our family, we would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and prayers," she wrote. "Nathan is still in a critical condition but he’s a fighter and we are grateful for everyone’s support through this tough time. We will update you when we can.”

NRL world rallies around Nathan Merritt

Canterbury Bulldogs' Josh Addo-Carr and former St George five-eighth and boxing champion Anthony Mundine have visited Merritt in hospital as the NRL world rallies around the Souths great. Fans and fellow players have taken to social media to share their well-wishes for the popular winger.

Merritt is one of South Sydney's most popular players of all time and retired as the club's most prolific try-scorer with 146 tries in 218 matches from 2002 to 2014. He also played one year for Cronulla in 2004 before returning to Souths. His 218 appearances is fourth on the all-time list for the Rabbitohs.

The NRL legend also made one appearance for NSW in the 2013 State of Origin series, played two games for the Australian Prime Minister's XIII and made two appearances for the City Origin team. He also represented the NRL Indigenous All Stars three times.

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