Trent Merrin will play his final season in red and white colours in 2015.
The 25-year-old St George Illawarra forward, after several months speculation has informed the club, through his manager Wayne Beavis, that he won’t be there next year.
Penrith Panthers are set to pounce on Merrin.
The Leader understands they will offer him a three-year contract.
In the Leader on Tuesday, our story indicated Merrin was long odds to be at the Dragons next year.
Merrin and Beavis knocked back the club’s three-year, $1.8 million contract offer last December.
Beavis said the Dragons had not contacted them in recent days about a new contract.
‘‘We haven’t heard a word,’’ Beavis said.
Fairfax Media reported that the decision caught the Dragons by surprise and they were unaware Merrin had decided to part ways with the club after this season.
The report said Merrin, who is in Britain with his Dragons teammates preparing for Saturday morning's World Club Series match against the Warrington Wolves, is yet to inform St George Illawarra officials of his decision to leave.
However it is understood Merrin is frustrated the club has not budged on its original offer made before Christmas, and is ready to make a decision on his new club when he returns home next week.
"It means he's in England now, so when he gets back he will look at his options," Beavis said.
"We're probably down to two, or maybe three clubs. All offers are on the table so we'll know when he gets back what he wants to do."
The Dragons were loath to see the departure of Merrin, who made his debut for the club under Wayne Bennett in 2009, going on to represent NSW on 10 occasions.
Beavis said Merrin was still weighing up three options for next year and beyond, with all offers on the table for him to make a decision about where he wants to play.
It is believed the Penrith Panthers are the frontrunners to lure Merrin to the foot of the mountains, while Cronulla and the New Zealand Warriors are also believed to be in the hunt.
Is this a big loss for the Dragons?
