Rabbitohs great Merritt ‘able to get out of bed’ and talk to people as recovery continue
![](https://newsgistdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/15573db5f7ba7ea5158a91e1e118f924-300x169.jpg)
Rabbitohs great Nathan Merritt is now “able to get out of bed” and is talking to family and friends, the club has confirmed.
Merritt woke from a coma 10 days ago after being put on life support following an adverse reaction to prescribed pain medication on October 6.
The 40-year-old collapsed while staying with a family member and was initially in a critical condition, but is now stable at Sydney’s Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.
Watch every match of Pacific Championships LIVE on Kayo Sports. Join Kayo now and start streaming instantly >
Souths released a statement on social media on Thursday, revealing that Merritt’s condition had been “progressing every day”.
“Some great news regarding Nathan Merritt. Nath is now able to get out of bed, sit up and speak to people! He is recovering well and progressing every day, but has a long way to go to a full recovery. Merro asked us to thank all of the Rabbitohs fans for their support and prayers. It means so much to him,” the statement read.
Merritt made 237 NRL appearances in stints at the Sharks and Rabbitohs, scoring a remarkable 146 tries in his 13-year career.
Merritt, who played at wing and fullback in his lengthy NRL career, was the league’s leading try-scorer for three seasons and was the 9th player in the history of the sport to score 150 total tries.
He also earned several representative honours in his glittering career.