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Leeds Rhinos captain Trent Merrin gives club a massive lift ... Rhinos confirm Merrill departure & Prior signature

Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2019 2:02 pm
by josie andrews
CAPTAIN Trent Merrin has handed Leeds Rhinos a huge boost by confirming he will play on for them in 2020.

The former Australia international proved an influential player in his debut season at Emerald Headingley after joining as a ‘marquee’ player from Penrith Panthers on a four-year deal.

Loose forward Merrin, 30, made 28 appearances and was made captain in June.

However, the ex-New South Wales State of Origin star was given permission to seek a new club at the end of the season on “compassionate grounds.”

Leeds gave Merrin a deadline to secure an NRL club but Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield today confirmed he is heading back to Emerald Headingley.

“During last season Trent had to return home to Australia for some personal family reasons and given those issues at the end of the season we gave him the opportunity to look to see if he could source a deal with a club closer to home,” said Sinfield.
“He had our full support in doing this, but we knew there was also a strong part of him that wanted to come back.

“I spoke with him this morning and he confirmed that he would be returning to the Rhinos and we are delighted about the news and he will be back for the start of pre-season at the beginning of November.

“ His performances on the field were outstanding for us last season. He is looking forward to getting back and is raring to go again.”

https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/sport/r ... 1-10064909

Re: Leeds Rhinos captain Trent Merrin gives club a massive lift

Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2019 2:03 pm
by josie andrews
However, the ex-New South Wales State of Origin star was given permission to seek a new club at the end of the season on “compassionate grounds.”

Leeds gave Merrin a deadline to secure an NRL club but Rhinos director of rugby Kevin Sinfield today confirmed he is heading back to Emerald Headingley.

“During last season Trent had to return home to Australia for some personal family reasons and given those issues at the end of the season we gave him the opportunity to look to see if he could source a deal with a club closer to home,” said Sinfield.
“He had our full support in doing this, but we knew there was also a strong part of him that wanted to come back.
Mm!

Re: Leeds Rhinos captain Trent Merrin gives club a massive lift

Posted: Wed Oct 23, 2019 7:45 pm
by fozzieskem
I suppose credit to Leeds for letting him look at a deal closer to home I wonder though with what’s come to light this week they’ll go over limit again now Merrin is back?

That said they looked a better side with him in it,not by much mind

Re: Leeds Rhinos captain Trent Merrin gives club a massive lift

Posted: Sun Dec 01, 2019 9:06 am
by josie andrews
Rhinos confirm Merrill departure & Prior signature

Leeds Rhinos have confirmed that Australian international Trent Merrin, who captained the side last year after the departure of Kallum Watkins, has been allowed to leave the club on compassionate grounds to return home to Australia, where he will join the St George Illawarra Dragons.

“On behalf of everyone at the Rhinos, we would like to wish Trent and his partner Jess all the best for their future back in Australia,” said Leeds coach Richard Agar.

“I know this is something that Trent has tried hard to resolve, but in the end his family comes first and he will leave with our best wishes.”

The Rhinos have replaced Merrin by confirming the signing of New South Wales State of Origin forward Matt Prior from Cronulla Sharks on a two-year contract.

The 32-year-old prop has played over 250 games in the NRL and played for New South Wales in 2018. An NRL Grand Final winner in 2016 with the Sharks, Prior was an ever-present for them last season, starting all but one game. He will team up with his former Cronulla team mate Ava Seumanufagai, who moved to Emerald Headingley last summer and he will join the club subject to completing a medical.

https://www.totalrl.com/rhinos-confirm- ... signature/

Re: Leeds Rhinos captain Trent Merrin gives club a massive lift ... Rhinos confirm Merrill departure & Prior signature

Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 8:23 am
by Wigan_forever1985
I think leeds have possibly the worst record in terms of "big name signings" they've rarely come and set the world alight

eastwood
galloway
merrin
burgess to an extent

most of looked like they want to leave or havent lived up to the hype

Re: Leeds Rhinos captain Trent Merrin gives club a massive lift ... Rhinos confirm Merrill departure & Prior signature

Posted: Tue Dec 03, 2019 10:03 am
by fozzieskem
I thought Merrin did his job well but marquee money? Not for my money at least