Trent Merrin never says never to Leeds return

Drew Darbyshire 16 Apr 2020 12:13 PM

Trent Merrin says captaining Leeds is one of the highlights of his career and hasn’t ruled out a possible return to the Rhinos before the end of his career.

The 30-year-old joined Leeds on a four-year marquee contract ahead of the 2019 season from Penrith Panthers – but returned to Australia after just one year in Super League due to family reasons.

Merrin looks back on his time at Headingley with the fondest of memories – and hasn’t ruled out a return to the club before he hangs up his boots.

He told The Lockdown podcast: “I absolutely loved my time there. We moved for family reasons but if that wasn’t the case then I definitely would’ve seen out my four years at the place.

“To be named captain of such a prestigious club is one of the highlights of my whole career.

“My transition to the Super League was so quick that I didn’t really get to do my homework on the place but as soon as we got there and I played a few games – I realised how prestigious Leeds Rhinos is and then to be named captain is something I’ll cherish forever and I’ll never forget the friendships I made.

“Who knows, if the time arises or if coronavirus sends me back over there to finish my career then I would definitely take it with both hands.”

📺Former Leeds Rhinos captain @TrentMerrin is @cuthbertson85's guest in the latest episode of the #TheLockdown
Trent talks about his time at the Rhinos, becoming a new father and how his family are coping with isolation in Australia.
WATCH NOW ➡️ https://t.co/dYC8IWjDKe pic.twitter.com/Ge47yOmef7

— Leeds Rhinos (@leedsrhinos) April 14, 2020

Merrin left the Rhinos to join NRL side St George Illawarra Dragons on a two-year contract from the 2020 campaign.

And even though the Australia international only played 27 games for Leeds, the club will always hold a special place in his heart.

He added: “It has probably been the biggest learning chapter of my whole life.

“The people there just love and respect Leeds and the Super League. It was great to be a part of Super League but from a Leeds perspective, the way the people there took our family in – they didn’t have to do that for us.

“As soon as we touched down, everyone opened their arms for us and treated us like their own.

“One thing I took from it all was that we went into an unknown area but everyone welcomed us with open arms and put us first. Whatever we needed, they made sure we was happy and everyone was humble in Leeds.”

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