Star Penrith recruit Trent Merrin has emerged as captaincy material for the Panthers after impressing with his NRL pre-season regimen.
Merrin is aiming to reinvigorate his career with his move to the Panthers and the representative back-rower's leaderships skills have shone so far through a tough pre-season under new coach Anthony Griffin.
Former Brisbane mentor Griffin has given no assurances Peter Wallace will continue to skipper the Panthers in 2016, leaving the captaincy open.
Star fullback Matt Moylan is one who has been impressed with Merrin's efforts at Penrith since the 26-year-old moved from St George Illawarra in the off-season.
"He definitely brings a lot of experience, he has played Origin, played for Australia, he has won a grand final so that is everyone's goal when they are playing football, they want to do all those things," Moylan said.
[On the prowl: Trent Merrin.]
On the prowl: Trent Merrin. Photo: Adrian Proszenko
"He brings a lot of leadership with him too. I think it is something that comes naturally to him. Obviously everyone looks up to him, because of what he has already achieved in the game."
A month into the job Griffin is keeping his mind open on who his skipper will be.
"That is something I will have to decide," he said.
"I will make sure I take my time with that and it is probably something I will take a look at in the New Year rather than now. So I can't give you an answer there."
However Griffin did say he was impressed with what Merrin had done so far in preseason.
"He is going well. He is obviously a high profile signing, but that is probably more a media thing than a team thing.
"He just needs to relax and continue his development as a footballer. If he does that he is going to be a good asset to the list here, because he is fitting in really well."
AAP
