The couple have hardly been together in recent times because of their busy lives. Fairfax Media reported Fitzgibbons called off the engagement. 

According to those who know, Merrin is coping well. His form for the Panthers in recent weeks has been excellent.  

Attempts to contact Merrin were unsuccessful. The Panthers have been aware of the relationship break-up for a few weeks. Fairfax first revealed the pair were a couple in 2014.

Fitzgibbons is from Gerroa and a big fan of Merrin's former club, the St George Illawarra Dragons.

The pair appeared to be well suited, given their sporting link, competitive spirits and desire to live a healthy lifestyle. 

The pair have not posted on Instagram together since April, but looked very much in love when they appeared together in a snap on Valentine's Day. 

In recent times Fitzgibbons has not been wearing her ring and has appeared without it on Instagram.

Merrin is one of the biggest characters in the NRL and an extremely popular team man. 

It is one of the reasons Kangaroos coach Mal Meninga stuck solid and selected Merrin for the Test against New Zealand earlier this year, despite his club form being down on 2016.

When Fitzgibbons started seeing Merrin, many considered the league star to be "punching above his weight".  In the sporting world, it became known as "a Merrin", but those who know Merrin know it was a very even relationship.

Fitzgibbons was scheduled to be in Wollongong this week as part of a two-day media promotion in Wollongong promoting her association with the Novotel hotel chain. 

However the event was postponed last week, with publicists citing the forecast inclement weather.

Outside of her success on the world surfing tour, Fitzgibbons has an ever expanding business empire and is the face of a number of major companies such as Novotel, Piping Hot, Samsung and Canon to name a few.

- with Danny Weidler, SMH.