One representative back-rower departs the Dragons as another returns with more moves on way
UPDATE: Wests Tigers have signed back-rower Luciano Leilua, in a move that will see ex-Dragon Trent Merrin return home - and he may not be the only former NRL player returning from the Super League.
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It will be a question for St George Illawarra fans to debate in the countdown to next season.
Who got the best of the deal that has seen Luciano Leilua traded to the Wests Tigers to allow for Trent Merrin’s return to the Dragons?
Merrin will make a St George Illawarra comeback while the Dragons are also chasing another Super League player.
The move impacts a host of players with his 2010 premiership teammate Matt Prior taking his place at the Rhinos which will ease significant salary cap pressure at the Sharks.
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Merrin returns on a two year deal at the club he made his debut at in 2009 after gaining a release from Super League club Leeds.
Merrin fell-out with the club’s management which contributed to his defection to Penrith in 2016.
He has played 205 top grade NRL games before featuring for Leeds this year.
Merrin has been keen to return home for some time with discussions to bring him back to St George Illawarra happening as early as the middle of the season as a potential replacement for the suspended Jack de Belin.
Despite having three years to run on his current deal with Leeds, Merrin asked for permission to return home with his partner Jess pregnant with the couple’s first child.
“Trent could’ve jumped like a kangaroo all the way back to Australia he’s that excited to come back to the Dragons,” said St George director of rugby league pathways and list management Ian Millward.
“Trent has indicated to the club several times over the past 12 months that he’d love to come home; an opportunity for this has since come up. “He brings plenty of experience to the Dragons’ forward pack and is someone who is really passionate and can’t wait to put the Red V back on.” “Trent will be a player who will hit the ground running straight away. He’s a confident player who will be very good around the group as far as his demeanour is concerned.”
LEILUA’S MOVE TO TIGERS CONFIRMED
Merrin’s arrival will also allow Leilua to take up a multi-year deal to join the Wests Tigers immediately after being granted an early release from his Dragons deal.
The Wests Tigers confirmed on Saturday that Leilua had signed a three-year deal which will see the exciting young talent join the club immediately.
“I’m very pleased we’ve been able to secure a player with Luciano’s talent and potential for the future,” Tigers head coach Michael Maguire said. “He offers another dimension to our forward pack and gives us an added edge with his ball-playing and creativity.
“With more experience and time, I can see Luciano developing into a really strong player for this club and we’re all excited to see him take those next steps in his career here.”
Leilua represented Samoa during their strong World Rugby League Nines campaign and Oceania Cup Test match against Fiji earlier this month.
He joins the Tigers after a strong 2019 campaign during which he posted career highs in games, linebreaks, offloads, tackles and running metres. “Luciano has developed into a quality forward since his debut and we’re looking forward to providing him with an opportunity to keep improving as a player both on and off the field,” said Wests Tigers CEO Justin Pascoe.
DRAGONS LOOK TO ADD DEPTH OUT WIDE
The Dragons are also trying to sign former Parramatta and Manly outside back Brayden Wiliame.
The 26-year-old has spent the past three seasons with English Super League club Catalans and was part of their Challenge Cup victory last year.
Wiliame has predominantly played in the centres but has also spent time on the wing.
The Dragons have been relative quiet in the player market heading into 2020. Merrin and potentially Wiliame will join Issac Luke with the veteran hooker the Dragons only official signing to date.
- with AAP
Originally published as One representative back-rower departs the Dragons as another returns with more moves on way