Trent Merrin weighs up options for 2016
By MICHAEL CHAMMAS
Feb. 17, 2015, 9:08 p.m.
RUGBY LEAGUE
RUGBY LEAGUE
St George Illawarra have been dealt a huge blow ahead of the start of the season with forward Trent Merrin deciding to depart the club at the end of the year.
Merrin's manager Wayne Beavis confirmed the NSW Origin forward will not be at the Dragons next year and is set to make a decision on his new club when he returns from the World Club Series next week.
"One hundred per cent, it's over," Beavis told Fairfax Media on Tuesday.
"He won't be at the Dragons next year."
The decision caught the Dragons by surprise when contacted by Fairfax Media, unaware Merrin had decided to part ways with the club after this season.
Beavis admitted the 25-year-old was still weighing up three options for 2016 and beyond, with all offers now on the table for Merrin to make a decision on where he wants to play.
It is believed the Penrith Panthers are the front runners to lure Merrin to the foot of the mountains, while Cronulla and the New Zealand Warriors are believed to be in the hunt.
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While Beavis wouldn't speculate on the clubs chasing Merrin's signature, he closed the door on any chance of his client remaining at the Dragons beyond his contract expiration at the end of this year.
Merrin is the second Dragons junior to announce he is leaving the club in the past six months after fellow 2010-premiership winner and representative winger Brett Morris was released to join his brother Josh at Canterbury this season.
Merrin, who is in England with his Dragons teammates preparing for Saturday morning's World Club Series match against the Warrington Wolves, is yet to inform St George Illawarra officials of his decision to leave the club.
However, it is understood Merrin is frustrated the club hasn't budged on its original offer made before Christmas and is ready to make a decision on his new club when he returns home next week.
"He's in England now, so when he gets back he will look at his options," Beavis said.
"We're probably down to two, or maybe three clubs. All offers are on the table, so we'll know when he gets back what he wants to do."
The Dragons were loath to see the departure of Merrin, who made his debut for the club under Wayne Bennett in 2009, going on to represent NSW on 10 occasions.
The Dragons were comfortable with the offer they made to Merrin, describing it as the most lucrative deal the club has offered a forward.
It is understood Merrin is frustrated the club wasn't in a position to offer him a better deal given the money they threw at enticing Josh Dugan, Gareth Widdop and Benji Marshall to the club.
Merrin's departure at the end of the season means Jason Nightingale and Ben Creagh, who are both off contract at the end of this year, will be the last two remaining survivors from the 2010 grand final-winning team.
http://www.illawarramercury.com.au/story/2890000/trent-merrin-to-leave-dragons/?cs=302
