Former Souths and Sharks star Nathan Merritt fronts court after found in possession of cocaine and a replica pistol, Fendi store robbery, cancer

Former NRL star and cancer-stricken Nathan Merritt has been charged with possessing a replica pistol and cocaine.

As reported by The Daily Telegraph, the 43-year-old fronted court on Friday after he was connected with the robbery of a Fendi store in Sydney’s CBD on Thursday.

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Merritt, who was told in April that he only had 12 months to live after being diagnosed with cancer of the liver and oesophagus, handed himself into police after his Marrickville home was searched.

The court head that police found 12 grams of cocaine, as well as a gel blaster firearm that he bought on Facebook Marketplace for $100.

Thursday’s Fendi store robbery saw $500,000 worth of luxury fashion items stolen, but Merritt has not been charged with any wrongdoings in connection to the heist.

The court was told that Merritt’s home was raided after a car of interest entered his unit carpark where the former Souths and Sharks star was seen greeting two people who got out of the vehicle.

During his bail application, Merritt’s lawyer Joseph Correy said: “The fact that some people came to his house and left his house, is not sufficient evidence to substantiate a criminal offence.”

“It would be hard to find he has links to organised crime,” Mr Correy said.

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In relation to the drugs found in Merritt’s unit, his lawyer claimed they were for personal use “in circumstances where he is terminally ill and self-medicating, admittedly with an illicit substance”.

“What is at stake for Mr Merritt if his bail was refused, is the possibility that he would die in jail over what are not objectively serious offences, in my submission,” Mr Correy said.

“He has five children. I’m sure he does not want the last place he sees his children in to be a correctional facility.”

Judge James Howard gave Merritt bail under the condition he does not leave his home except to attended supervised medical appointments.

“The concerns raised I think are significant: a person in possession of weapons and drugs and also associating with criminal associations with a significant violent event that is recent,” Judge Howard said.

“However in this case, Mr Merritt’s health is a very significant consideration.”

Merritt is due to appear at the Downing Centre Local Court on November 2.