Former NRL forward Trent Merrin has told Leeds he will return to England, turning his back on an NRL return, as reported by NRL.com.

The 30-year old has been in Australia exploring his options after being given permission by the Rhinos, having met with Newcastle and St George Illawarra.

But neither club able to match the lucrative four-year deal he signed with Leeds at the end of 2018 and he is now set to to return to pre-season with the English club on November 4.

Merrin was one of several big names touted to be on the move in what is expected to be a busy off-season.

A number of clubs are waiting for the first domino to fall, with the Wests Tigers believed to be interested in swapping Ryan Matterson with Cronulla's Matt Moylan.

Cronulla are expected to be busy players over the summer, with Matt Prior and Josh Dugan being given permission to look elsewhere despite being under contract, according to NRL.com.

Prior has received interest from rival NRL clubs and Super League sides and is reportedly open to the idea of moving overseas to get a bigger deal.

6 COMMENTS

  1. Yet another ex-panther shown the door. This club has no character, no honesty, no heart and no soul.
    Who will Penrith shaft during next mid season of 2020?

    Any player thinking of linking up with this pathetic club, think again. Players careers become ruined and some like Maloney and Merrin have to travel over to the other side of the planet, just to play a game, after a stint with the Panthers.

  3. Whilst slightly off topic, and I’ll premise this post with I’m not trying to be a ………… of any sorts, but I’m genuinely interested in how this long(ish) term Panthers coaching signing plays out.
    Ivan’s pretty clearly (no pun intended) got a free(ish) rein on building his squad. In year 1 half the team have been moved on/are moving on, so it’s clearly his team to build early.
    I honestly don’t think it will work, because it seems like it was for all the wrong reasons, but interesting none the less.

  4. Love how the Panthers rebuild every two years after they’ve moved on players that were the next big thing 2 years earlier and are now suddenly duds. One of the most mercenary clubs around and all for nothing, still waiting for them to live up to the hype. Probably will be premiership favorites again next year.

  5. daffy
    Have to agree. What happens out there? From an outsider looking in it looks like a board and or management problem.
    They sacked the last coach (Griffin) with a 58% win record and who got them into the finals 3 straight years with a coach they sacked 3 years earlier with a 45% record who got them into the finals once in 4 years. And gave him a 5 year 5 million contract to boot. How does that work? Cleary again hasnt got them to the finals he is now 1 from 5.
    Brisbane and Penrith both had problems this year. Coaching dramas experienced players let go and players walking mid season.
    So i guess being the 2 richest clubs in the NRL and being 1st and 2nd in Junior numbers doesnt mean much if your Board and Management dont aim up.

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