Phil Gould has expressed his hopes that the distressing diagnosis shared by NRL legend Nathan Merritt this week will prove to be inaccurate, as the rugby league community unites in support of the Rabbitohs icon. At the age of 42, Merritt disclosed last month that he is battling stage four cancer affecting his oesophagus and liver, stating he believes he has about a year left to live.
Merritt shared in an interview with The Sydney Morning Herald that his medical team has advised him he might only have 12 months to live, although he is undergoing chemotherapy to extend his life. Despite the pain he experiences, he reassured fans he is not suffering as much as some others facing similar battles.
The Rabbitohs have invited Merritt to sound the club’s Legacy Bell in a commemorative event before their match against the Bulldogs at Accor Stadium. He mentioned that this could be his final NRL game, noting that he couldn’t attend a recent match where his friend Alex Johnston broke a scoring record due to fatigue from treatment. Since starting chemotherapy, Merritt has lost around 22 kilograms.
His heartfelt wish is to witness the Rabbitohs bring home another premiership, having last won in 2014. He expressed that seeing Souths win would be a fitting farewell for him, stating, "To see Souths win another comp, that would be a great way to go out." He believes that the current squad has the potential to achieve this and dreams of seeing them in another grand final.
As the Bulldogs prepare for their Good Friday match, Gould, who will support his team, will also take the time to pay tribute to Merritt, whom he described as both a wonderful person and an exceptional footballer. Reflecting on the difficult news, he stated on Wide World of Sports’ Six Tackles with Gus: "It’s a terrible thing, particularly for one so young. South Sydney will obviously be inspired by him this weekend. We wish Nathan and his family well, hopefully that prognosis is not as accurate as they’re making out and there is some sort of recovery there."
Throughout his impressive career, Merritt played 237 NRL games, primarily for the Rabbitohs, complemented by appearances for the NSW Blues and the Indigenous All Stars. The support and well-wishes from colleagues and fans during this challenging time highlight the deep regard in which Merritt is held within the rugby league community.