Trent Merrin’s NRL backflip; Panthers lose promising hooker
Former NSW and Australia forward Trent Merrin won’t be returning to the NRL despite Newcastle and St George Illawarra showing keen interest in the veteran.
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Trent Merrin has decided against an NRL comeback to instead return to the UK Super League where he is the captain of Leeds.
Due to a personal matter in Australia, Leeds had granted the former Test prop permission to return to the NRL.
Newcastle and St George Illawarra were eager to add Merrin’s leadership qualities to their roster, but due to salary cap pressures were unable to raise a significant offer for the 29-year-old.
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Merrin’s return to the UK will impact several NRL clubs, including Cronulla, who are aware of Leeds’ interest in poaching Matt Prior.
It’s been suggested that Leeds are eager to boast both Merrin and Prior in their pack next season.
Prior is also on the radar of Warrington coach Steve Price - who knows the hardworking forward’s game well having worked as an assistant coach at the Sharks in 2016.
Meanwhile, Sharks fullback Matt Moylan has rejected a verbal approach from the Wests Tigers to join them in 2020.
While the Tigers will continue to pursue Moylan as their fullback for next season, both the 28-year-old and his agent have reiterated to the Tigers management his only focus is to remain in the Shire where he still has two years remaining on his contract.
One player who is on the move is Penrith hooker Wayde Egan - bound for New Zealand as the replacement for Isaac Luke.
Egan was granted an immediate release from his contract yesterday by Penrith, who will rely on Manly recruit Api Korosiau next year.
The 22-year-old hooker progressed through the junior development pathways at Panthers to make his NRL debut in 2018.
He played 29 NRL games with the Panthers.
“As a club we would have liked Wayde to see out his contract however we also understand the opportunity presented by the Warriors was a difficult one for Wayde to turn down at this point in his career,’’ Panthers general manager of football Matt Cameron said.
Wanting to add depth to their backline following the exit of Shaun Kenny-Dowall and Jesse Ramien at the end of last season, the Knights have signed Souths Logan outside back Matt Soper-Lawler for 2020.
Soper-Lawler was the equal leading tryscorer in last season’s Intrust Super Cup despite the Magpies finishing 10th last season.
Originally published as Trent Merrin’s NRL backflip; Panthers lose promising hooker