St George Illawarra lock Trent Merrin has announced his immediate retirement from the NRL.
Former NSW State of Origin and Kangaroos Test lock Trent Merrin has played his last NRL game after announcing a snap retirement from rugby league.
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.
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.”
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.
terrykidd
Roar Pro
Adieu and thanks Trent
KenW
Roar Rookie
Well let's call a spade a spade. Merrin moved well for a big man in his youth and worked hard, but he wasn't gifted with an athlete's body. Would he have stuck around under the rules from a couple of years ago? I doubt it, the game was hardly a gentle jog then either. Retiring at 31 with 250 1st grade games + 20-something rep games, is a career far longer than most can manage. He can feel himself slipping, doesn't have the motivation to try to overcome it, good on him for recognising it and making the call.
KenW
Roar Rookie
Yeah didn't have a good game last week, his form in general this year though has been better than last year where he didn't really deserve a spot in 1st grade. He was getting the feet moving and popping his head through some tackles. I suspect this explains why his energy was a bit higher. Maybe it's as you say, McGuire coming wasn't part of the plan, just made the decision easier. I can be a bit cynical sometimes!
Forty Twenty
Roar Rookie
I've just seen Cathy Lumby ( spelling right?) on TV and she's not a fan of the ''Emperor'' either. Somehow V'landys is at fault in the Eel in the cubicle scandal.
Tom G
Roar Rookie
For a 31 year old who has played at the very pinnacle of the sport to say that his decision for retirement is that he feels that the game is now beyond him, speaks volumes about the impact of the continued push to speed the game up through rule changes. Player's careers are going to be shortened if this trend continues. The RLPA should be seeking clarification on what other nifty innovations Emperor V'landys has in store for them next.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
I get what you are saying, it may have been bouncing around in his head for a while but came to a head last weekend. He didn't have a good game, got limited minutes and got a pasting on fan pages. I think he decided that he didn't have the desire to keep up the demands to fight his way back and with Moose there, that was going to be a bit harder. Can't blame him with the game speed atm.
KenW
Roar Rookie
The press conference suggests it's a spur of the moment decision but, without sounding too cyncial, that seems very timely considering they just brought McGuire in. Club buys experienced middle player that they didn't appear to need, 1 week later an existing experienced middle player retires? Not that this takes away from Merrin's decision to step aside. Knowing that he only had a few games left probably also explains his good form over the last month, he's been playing much better than last season.
DP Schaefer
Roar Rookie
Plaudits to him on a very good career. The highest rep honours along with a GF and Club Challenge medal. If I read between the lines (and his recent performance), his heart just isn't in it anymore - at the level required to keep putting in - and he'd rather bow out with some pride and clear a passage for a young bloke than be a roadblock getting paid for mediocre performances. That's a decent and unselfish step to take.
Big Daddy
Roar Rookie
Maybe a bit of salary cap pressure.
farkurnell
Roar Rookie
Don’t forget Fafita’s also coming
JGK
Roar Guru
Lucky we now have Josh Maguire.
Nat
Roar Guru
Congrats on a wonderful career. Not many get to choose their time and we've enjoyed watching yours.
Phil
Roar Rookie
Somewhat of a surprise there. Didn't see anything in the media leading to this. Terrific player for Saints, NSW, Australia and of course Penrith. He is also a premiership winner to top it off. Congratulations Trent on a great career.
andrew
Roar Rookie
That's a bit of a shock, wasn't expecting that. Trent, you've been a great player over the years and winning a Premiership with Saints would have to be the pinnacle of your career, in my humble opinion, or was it winning Sally Fitzgibbon?
Albo
Roar Rookie
Well done Trent ! Congratulations on a great NRL and representative career featuring some big moments on the park and plenty of laughs off it !