Trent Merrin walks out on Panthers for Leeds Rhinos

Penrith forward Trent Merrin has walked out on the Panthers to join English Super League side Leeds on a four-year deal.

The 29-year-old declared earlier this week he would see out the remaining two years of his deal at the Panthers.

But the former Kangaroos forward retracted his commitment to the club and will now link up with former Souths assistant coach David Furner at the Rhinos.

Last week Panthers General Manager of Football Phil Gould took to Twitter to declare Merrin was staying at the club.

However, the 204-game NRL veteran is now expected to depart for the UK next week.