Several NRL clubs keen to land former Test and Origin forward Trent Merrin

Trent Merrin is set for a return to the NRL with several clubs already interested in the former New South Wales and Australian forward.

PENRITH, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 05: Trent Merrin of the Panthers is tackled during the round 21 NRL match between the Penrith Panthers and the Canberra Raiders at Panthers Stadium on August 5, 2018 in Penrith, Australia. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

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Leeds captain Trent Merrin is poised to make a return to the NRL, with several clubs, including St George-Illawarra and Newcastle, interested in securing the former Test prop.

Back in Australia for family reasons, Merrin’s return to the NRL after a dominant 12 months in the English Super League has the support of Leeds, who are leaning towards allowing the 29-year-old to take care of his family matters.

Recruitment managers from Leeds have begun sounding out NRL clubs in recent weeks on the hunt for a possible replacement should Merrin request a formal release.

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Merrin has spent the past season with Leeds. Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images.

In the wake of the departure of Saints captain Gareth Widdop and aware that club leaders James Graham and Tyson Frizell are contracted only for next season, Merrin’s leadership qualities are a major lure for the Dragons.

The Dragons are also in limbo over the future of Jack de Belin, who will face court on criminal charges in February.

Once touted by Phil Gould as a future NSW Origin captain, Merrin’s character, work ethic and experience has also spiked the Knights interest after their forward pack was found desperately lacking in leadership over the latter stages of this season.

Could Merrin return to the Dragons? Picture by Gregg Porteous.

Merrin was released by Penrith at the end of last year after 205 NRL appearances to join Leeds, where he has wasted no time leaving an impression both as the club captain under coach Richard Agar and one of the leaders for most offloads in the UK Super League.

Merrin, who played seven Tests and 13 Origins for NSW, is contacted to Leeds until 2022 and would need to negotiate a release.

However, it’s understood the UK club have been made aware of his family situation and are willing to discuss a possible release.