Chloe AndersonNathan Merritt, the South Sydney Rabbitohs winger who scored 212 NRL tries across 15 seasons, has revealed he is fighting two simultaneous stage 4 cancers: oesophageal cancer diagnosed in November 2025, and liver cancer diagnosed in February 2026. He is 42 years old, a father of five, and currently undergoing chemotherapy with an approximate 12-month prognosis. His story is a stark reminder of why Australians should never dismiss persistent stomach pain.
What happened to Nathan Merritt
Merritt went public with his diagnosis on 1 April 2026, ahead of a planned appearance at Accor Stadium for the Rabbitohs' Good Friday match against the Canterbury Bulldogs. He had been living with the diagnosis privately before choosing to speak out and ring the club's Legacy Bell in front of more than 50,000 fans.
"It's going to be a tiring battle but it's what I've got to do," Merritt told NRL.com on 1 April 2026. "I'll try my best and see how I go."
He has now completed two rounds of chemotherapy, with three more planned before reassessing his treatment with doctors. At stage 4, both his oesophageal and liver cancers have spread beyond their points of origin — a classification that makes curative surgery significantly more complex.
Why oesophageal and liver cancer are often caught late
Merritt's diagnosis illustrates a pattern that oncologists see repeatedly: both oesophageal and liver cancers are notoriously difficult to catch early, because their symptoms are easy to dismiss or attribute to more benign causes.
Oesophageal cancer symptoms that are frequently overlooked include:
- Persistent difficulty swallowing (dysphagia) — often attributed to stress or eating too fast
- Unintentional weight loss of more than 5% of body weight over six months
- Persistent heartburn or acid reflux that doesn't respond to standard antacids
- Chest pain, pressure or burning unrelated to cardiac causes
- Chronic cough or hoarse voice
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, oesophageal cancer is diagnosed at a late stage in more than 60% of cases in Australia, partly because early-stage disease causes minimal symptoms.
Liver cancer symptoms that warrant investigation include:
- Upper abdominal pain or swelling, particularly on the right side
- Unexplained fatigue and weakness over weeks
- Nausea or loss of appetite that persists for more than two weeks
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Pale or chalky stools combined with dark urine
The liver has no pain receptors on its surface, which means tumours can grow to a significant size before causing discomfort. By the time abdominal pain becomes noticeable, the disease has often advanced.
The warning signs Australians must not ignore
Merritt's initial symptom was stomach pain — an everyday complaint that many Australians manage with over-the-counter medication rather than a GP visit. The challenge is distinguishing ordinary indigestion from something requiring investigation.
A general practitioner or specialist can recommend investigation if any of the following are present for more than two weeks:
- Difficulty swallowing solid or liquid food
- Unexplained weight loss (without dietary change or increased exercise)
- Persistent upper abdominal or right-side pain
- Ongoing reflux that does not respond to proton pump inhibitors
- Fatigue disproportionate to your level of activity
- A visible lump or bloating in the abdomen
- Changes in bowel habits combined with loss of appetite
The risk is higher in individuals over 50, those with a history of heavy alcohol use, chronic hepatitis B or C infection, cirrhosis, Barrett's oesophagus, or obesity with chronic acid reflux.
When to see a GP — and when to ask for a specialist referral
A general practitioner is the correct first point of contact for any of the symptoms above. At the consultation, a GP can order blood tests (including liver function tests and tumour marker panels), an upper endoscopy referral, or an abdominal ultrasound — depending on the symptom profile.
If your GP does not investigate persistent upper gastrointestinal or abdominal symptoms after a single appointment, it is entirely reasonable — and medically appropriate — to ask directly: "Could this be investigated with an endoscopy or ultrasound?"
Specialist gastroenterologists and hepatologists can conduct more targeted investigations, including endoscopic biopsies, CT scans, and MRI. In Australia, a GP referral is required for most specialist consultations under Medicare.
On Expert Zoom, you can consult a qualified health professional to discuss symptoms that concern you and understand whether further investigation is warranted.
Nathan Merritt's message — and what it means for you
Merritt described his diagnosis as "a tough pill to swallow" but said he intends to fight for his five children, aged between 11 and 21. He will ring the Legacy Bell at Accor Stadium on Good Friday as what he called "a highlight of the remainder of my life."
His willingness to speak publicly about his diagnosis carries a practical message beyond his personal story: stomach pain is not always benign. If you have been managing persistent abdominal discomfort with antacids or pain relief for more than two weeks, that is sufficient reason to book a GP appointment today.
Early-stage oesophageal and liver cancers, when caught before they spread, carry significantly better outcomes. The window for curative treatment is wide at stage 1 and 2 — and narrow at stage 4.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms described, please consult a registered medical practitioner. Do not delay seeking professional care based on information in this article.
For official information on cancer screening and symptoms in Australia, visit the Cancer Council Australia.
