Souths finally break their silence on the plight of club great Nathan Merritt as he fights for life in hospital after being found unresponsive

South Sydney have broken their silence on Nathan Merritt’s condition as the NRL club explained why it took them five days to make a statement.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs legend, 40, was rushed to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney’s west and placed on life support last Friday after being found unresponsive.

The father-of-five is believed to have had an adverse reaction to prescription painkillers and collapsed at his aunt’s house, where he was staying.

Merritt’s sister Teanne gave a reassuring update on Tuesday, two days after she revealed he was still in critical condition.

But she warned that her brother is not out of the woods yet and has a challenging journey ahead of him.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs have broken their silence on Nathan Merritt’s health

The NRL club explained why it took them five days to make a statement

Visitors to the hospital, other than close family members, remain off limits.

Following the positive development, the Rabbitohs have taken to social media to support Merritt, five days after he was admitted 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 at this time,” the club said.

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

“He is being looked after by the best doctors and he is in the thoughts of everyone connected with the Rabbitohs.

“It will be a slow recovery but it is a battle he is in with all our support. Keep fighting hard with that South Sydney soul, Get it! You are always a Rabbitoh! #974′.

Teanne said on Facebook: “We have been advised that Nathan is improving slightly but has a long road to recovery.

“Thank you to everyone, family and friends who have come to visit Nathan and all the well wishes and kind words from everyone.

“At the moment, only immediate family can visit Nathan. Thank you all for your continued love and support.’

It comes after family acquaintances have said News Corp on Monday that Merritt’s lung capacity had improved over the past 24 hours and that the internal swelling had gone down.

Merritt is currently fighting for his life after falling ill over the weekend

“Nathan is still serious and he’s not out of the woods, but there’s a little improvement,” said a friend.

“There are some encouraging signs, which are good. His lung capacity has increased.

“Hopefully he can get a little bit better every day. It’s a slow process.’

Merritt has been regularly visited by Canterbury Bulldogs and NSW Blues star Josh Addo-Carr, as well as former St George’s five-eighth and boxing champion Anthony Mundine.