Trent Merrin’s partner blasts NRL return speculation

Trent Merrin’s girlfriend has blasted speculation linking the Leeds back-rower with a move back to the NRL after he returned Down Under on compassionate leave.

Merrin, 29, has returned to Sydney to be with partner Jessica following a family bereavement, the Rhinos confirmed earlier this week.

But that hasn’t stopped rumours Down Under claiming that the former Australian test forward could be returning to the NRL, with St George-Illawarra Dragons the most likely destination.

That is despite Leeds saying Merrin, who has been an ever-present this season after arriving from Penrith on a four-year deal, will be back at the end of this week.

Posting on her Instagram channel, Jessica said: “I would just like to express my absolute disgust towards the articles that have been released regarding Trent’s return to Australia to support me and my family during such a hard and difficult time.

“These social media outlets should be ashamed of themselves. Have some compassion. This has nothing to do with an NRL return.”

Despite Leeds’ poor start to the season which has left them bottom of the Super League table, Merrin tops the Super League offload stats with 30 and scored a try in the recent win over Castleford.

Leeds are in Challenge Cup action this weekend, hosting Workington, before games against Huddersfield and Wakefield over the Easter weekend.