'Outgrown the game': NRL veteran drops bombshell announcement
Veteran St George Illawarra Dragons forward Trent Merrin has stunned rugby league fans after announcing a snap retirement from the game, effective immediately.
The former NSW State of Origin and Kangaroos Test lock has played his last game in the NRL after confirming the news on Wednesday.
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Merrin told Dragons teammates and officials of his decision on Wednesday, pulling the curtain closed on a 13-year career across both Australia and England.
The move comes just days before the Dragons lock horns with the Sydney Roosters in the traditional ANZAC Day clash.
An agile forward when at his best, Merrin played 13 games for NSW and was part of the state's drought-breaking success in 2014.
He also played seven Tests for Australia to go with his 223 NRL games, before making the surprise decision to walk away.
"I'm very happy to be able to finish my career on my own terms," Merrin said.
"This was a decision where I had to be true to myself. I have outgrown the game and the game has outgrown me.
"My appreciation for rugby league will never die."
The Dragons were quick to thank Merrin for his service to the club, describing the 31-year-old as a "legend" of the Red V.
A club legend says farewell. Thanks for everything, Mez! 🐉 #redv
— St George Illawarra Dragons (@NRL_Dragons) April 21, 2021
After debuting as a local junior at the Dragons in 2009, he was part of their premiership-winning side the following year.
The lock then left for Penrith at the end of 2015, before spending a year in the Super League with Leeds and returning to the Dragons last year.
“My dream growing up was always to play for the Dragons, a club I have always held in high esteem. I have achieved everything my younger self ever wanted and that is something I’ll always be grateful for.
“I wouldn’t have been able to achieve everything I have without my family and the sacrifices they made. They, alongside my beautiful fiancee and baby boy, have been there throughout the highs and lows of my career.
“They also rode the wave of emotion when it came to this decision to conclude a wonderful career. I’m keen to see the younger players step up in my place as the Dragons continues its exciting journey.”
Dragons coach Anthony Griffin says Merrin's presence and experience will be "sorely missed" at the club.
“I had the privilege of coaching Trent across four seasons of his career. He’s a tremendous team man and will be sorely missed throughout the playing group,” Griffin said.
“Trent has accomplished everything there is to do in rugby league and leaves behind a great legacy as a premiership winner with St George Illawarra.”
Tributes to the workhorse forward immediately started streaming in social media at the news of his imminent retirement.
Dragons star Trent Merrin retires from NRL effective immediately at 31 🙏❤️
👉 https://t.co/ZbuB4joCpD pic.twitter.com/GvUBiYiZpv— Fox League (@FOXNRL) April 21, 2021
Sad news about Trent Merrin retiring thought he was going well back @NRL_Dragons thanks for everything Mez 💪🏾👍
— Benny (@saintbenny63) April 21, 2021
In 2016 Trent Merrin did things for the Panthers that go completely unnoticed, he started the trend of star players wanting to play with panthers which has lead to a whole generation of players who want to stay at Penrith.
Congrats on your career Trent.— Lord Ash Brewin. (@FastAshFurious) April 21, 2021
Best of luck to Trent! What a great player not only at club level but representing Australia and NSW and also a great character on some of the fox shows 😂👏🏻
— Snapenhuyzen (@hf2_0_2_) April 21, 2021
farewell mate. great player for the club and a great bloke. thanks for the memories champ. wish you the best in the future
— johnny NRL_DRAGONS (@johnny_mynrl) April 21, 2021
Thank you Trent Merrin. Been a favorite of mine no matter which club he played for. Will always be a Dragon. #redv
— Jophiss (@sabathejoe) April 21, 2021
Always loved watching Merrin particularly for NSW. He always put in the work and was solid. Hard done by a couple of times by not getting selected but was great when he played.
— Jove (@Jove_Kostrevski) April 21, 2021
with AAP
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