Nathan Merritt makes a major step in his recovery after the South Sydney Rabbitohs star was left fighting for life in a hospital

40-year-old was fighting for his life in a Sydney hospital

Suffered reaction to prescribed pain medication

Souths great Nathan Merritt has woken from his coma.

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs star Merritt was found unresponsive last Friday and has been on life support at Sydney Royal Prince Alfred Hospital ever since.

It is now understood that the 40-year-old is in a stable condition and the Daily Telegraph reports hat he has spoken to his father.

On Tuesday, his family issued an update, confirming the former NRL star’s condition had ‘slightly’ improved.

Merritt’s sister Teanne warned her brother still wasn’t out of the woods and has a challenging journey ahead of him.

Hospital visitors, apart from immediate family and close friends such as Anthony Mundine and Bulldogs winger Josh Addo-Carr, remain off-limits.

‘We have been advised that Nathan is improving slightly but he has a long road to recovery,’ Teanne posted on Facebook.

‘We thank everyone, family and friends that have come up to visit Nathan and all the well wishes and kind words from all. ‘Thank you all for your ongoing love and support.’

It comes after the Rabbitohs finally broke their silence about Merritt’s situation five days after he was rushed to hospital.

‘Out of respect for the privacy of Nathan and the Merritt family, the Rabbitohs and Souths Cares have chosen not to comment on his situation up until now,’ the club said in a statement.

‘We are so happy to hear directly from his immediate family that Merro’s condition is improving.

‘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 of our support. Keep fighting hard with that South Sydney spirit, Merro! You’re always a Rabbitoh! #974’.

Merritt, who hung up his boots in 2014 after 237 fist grade games, is considered one of the greatest players in the club’s decorated history.

Born and raised in Redfern, he started his journey in football as a junior player with the Alexandria Rovers in the South Sydney junior competition.

After his retirement, the father of five channelled his passion for the sport into a cause close to his heart, establishing the Nathan Merritt Foundation dedicated to offering guidance and support to Indigenous youth in Sydney.