Rabbitohs great charged with assault after he was handed an apprehended violence order on Tuesday

• A South Sydney great has been charged with common assault by NSW Police
• The ex-footy star was arrested by police on Tuesday but was granted bail 
• It comes following an incident that took place on Sunday night in Surry Hills 

By ED CARRUTHERS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Former South Sydney Rabbitohs player Nathan Merritt has been charged after he allegedly assaulted his wife outside a licensed venue on Sunday morning.

The 41-year-old who shares multiple children with his partner Faith Phillips is also alleged to have been involved in an affray with security guards outside the venue.

Merritt is now expected to appear in Downing Centre Local Court on Wednesday having been charged charged with common assault and affray. 

Daily Mail Australia reported on Monday that the former NRL player had also been handed an apprehended violence order by NSW Police on behalf of his partner Faith.

The former winger, who made 237 combined appearances for the Rabbitohs and Sharks in the NRL, was arrested on Tuesday and charged at Mascot Police Station before being granted bail.

A police spokesperson stated that officers were called to Chalmers St in Surry Hills on Sunday.

Former Rabbitohs star Nathan Merrit was charged by NSW Police for an alleged assault

Daily Mail Australia reported on Monday that Merrit had also been handed an apprehended violence order by NSW Police

A police spokesperson stated that officers were called to Chalmers St in Surry Hills on Sunday following an alleged assault

‘Officers attached to Surry Hills Police Area Command were told there was a fight between a 41-year-old man and security at a licensed premises on Devonshire St, Surry Hills,’ the statement from NSW Police said.

‘It is alleged the man assaulted a 48-year-old woman – known to him – on the same street a short time before the fight.’

The 41-year-old’s apprehended violence order prevents him from approaching Ms Phillips for at least 12 hours after drinking alcohol or taking illicit drugs at her place of work or residence.

Merritt had been rushed to hospital in 2023 and placed on life support after he was found unconscious in his aunt’s home.

He had claimed he had come down with a double bout of pneumonia and added he was ‘lucky to be alive’ after being placed in a coma.

The former Rabbitohs star subsequently made a full recovery following the illness.

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Rabbitohs great charged with assault after he was handed an apprehended violence order on Tuesday

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