Troubled former NRL star Nathan Merritt was embroiled in a violent street brawl in February last year that caused people in the vicinity to fear for their safety, according to recently revealed court documents.
Violent Altercation Outside Sydney Hotel
The 42-year-old former South Sydney Rabbitohs winger became involved in a physical confrontation with multiple men outside the Madison Hotel in Surry Hills on February 16, 2025. The incident left Merritt bloodied from head and mouth injuries, with his shirt torn during the altercation.
Court Documents Reveal Details
Legal documents state that Merritt used unlawful violence toward an unknown victim, with conduct such that a reasonable person present would have feared for their safety. The fight erupted around 6am after security personnel attempted to remove an unidentified man from the venue.
According to an agreed statement of facts, the man initially instigated a physical altercation with a group unknown to Merritt on the intersection of Chalmers and Devonshire Streets. He then targeted Merritt specifically, gesturing aggressively toward the former rugby league player.
Escalation of Violence
The situation escalated when the man broke free from security guards and advanced toward Merritt, who responded by running toward the aggressor. Merritt threw a single punch before being knocked to the ground outside the nearby Royal Exhibition Hotel.
A second man then tore Merritt's shirt and punched him in the head. CCTV footage captured Merritt approaching the two men again, with one of them delivering another blow to the former athlete's head. A third man also punched Merritt before security finally intervened to stop the violence.
Legal Proceedings and Additional Charges
Merritt was arrested and cautioned at Mascot Police Station two days after the incident when police requested he present himself. He has since pleaded guilty to one count of affray, with the matter scheduled to appear before the Downing Centre Local Court on February 11.
This incident represents just one of several legal troubles for the former sports star. In April 2025, Merritt was caught drink-driving in Sydney's inner-west. Additionally, police charged him last year for allegedly assaulting his wife outside a licensed venue.
Previous Health Scare
Merritt's recent difficulties follow a serious health crisis in 2023 when he was rushed to hospital and placed on life support after being found unconscious at his aunt's home. The former player claimed he had contracted a double bout of pneumonia and described himself as lucky to be alive after being placed in a medically induced coma.
The once-celebrated rugby league winger, who played 237 NRL games primarily for South Sydney between 2002 and 2014, now faces multiple legal challenges alongside his ongoing health concerns.
