Rugby league legend aged 40 placed on life support after sudden collapse ‘in shock reaction to painkillers’

NATIONAL RUGBY LEAGUE icon Nathan Merritt has been placed on life support.

The 40-year-old was found unresponsive on Friday and was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital in Sydney, where he remains in a critical condition.

GettyNathan Merritt is in a critical condition[/caption]

GettyThe former rugby league star collapsed on Friday[/caption]

Australian reports claim he is believed to have had an adverse reaction to prescribed pain medication.

He was allegedly visiting his aunt’s house on Friday when suddenly collapsed and was unresponsive.

The father of five was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Camperdown, south west of Sydney.

Merritt participated in the Koori Knockout event on the Central Coast last weekend.

Spectators revealed that he appeared to suffer a concussion during one of the games, although it is currently unclear whether or not this has any connection to his subsequent collapse.

Discussing Merritt’s health on Saturday morning, South Sydney CEO Blake Solly said: “Nathan is in the thoughts and prayers of every Rabbitoh at the moment.”

The rugby star’s sister, Teanne Merritt, provided fans with an update on Saturday evening.

She wrote on Facebook: “On behalf of Nathan and our family, we would like to thank everyone for your well wishes and prayers.

“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.”

Merritt made his debut for the South Sydney Rabitohs in 2002, scoring a try.

He also played for Cronulla Sharks at club level between 2003 and 2004.

In 2013, Merritt represented New South Wales at State Level.