Former NSW and Kangaroos forward Trent Merrin will return to Super League club Leeds Rhinos for the 2020 season after failing to secure a return to the NRL.
Merrin, whose partner Jessica is expecting the couple’s first child, have been in Australia since the Rhinos’ season ended in September after the club gave him permission to seek a deal with a NRL club.
The 30-year-old had been linked with a return to St George Illawarra and also with South Sydney.
Merrin is close to Rabbitohs coach Wayne Bennett, who he played for at the Dragons and almost joined the club last year before signing a lucrative four-year deal with Leeds.
But the Rhinos announced on Wednesday that the 30-year-old, who was appointed club captain midway through last season, will head back to Yorkshire in November.
“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 the Rhinos’ director of rugby Kevin 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.
“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.”