Leeds Rhinos have pulled off a coup by signing Penrith Panthers forward Trent Merrin on a four-year deal.
Merrin, who has played seven times for Australia and made 13 State of Origin appearances for New South Wales, leaves Penrith with two years remaining on his contract.
The Rhinos stated they have beaten off competition from a number of NRL clubs to bring the 29-year-old to Super League in a new era under Dave Furner.
"I have done everything I possibly could in the NRL, and this is a great opportunity for me to come to a great club with a fantastic culture and hopefully achieve some goals together," said Merrin.
"It is good to have clarity about my future, I am looking forward to coming to a new country, stepping outside of my comfort zone and being part of something special with Leeds.
Panther No. 555. Champion on and off the field. Thanks Mez. #pantherpride pic.twitter.com/uWvcjTKMy6
— Penrith Panthers (@PenrithPanthers) November 15, 2018
"There is a lot I still want to achieve. I want to put my best foot forward and, when I eventually come back home, I want to be able to look back on a special period in my life.
"I have spent time with Dave Furner in camp before and enjoyed the experience. He is obviously well respected at Leeds from his time there as a player and has built an impressive coaching career in the NRL since then."
Rhinos chief executive Gary Hetherington said: "This is hugely significant for not just Leeds Rhinos but the Super League competition and shows the ambition of our club to compete at the very top of the game.
"Trent was Dave Furner's number one target and it has come as a major boost to have secured a player of his quality on a long-term contract."
