THE rugby league drum has been beating about Trent Merrin a lot in recent days.
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The 25-year-old forward as everyone in the Dragons Den knows is leaving for Penrith in 2016.
The NSW State of Origin forward signed for three years after he failed to agree to terms with the Dragons management.
Merrin officially signed with Penrith on March 2.
Merrin has played 117 NRL games for the Dragons. He debuted in 2009 and played three games that year, under then-coach Wayne Bennett.
In 2010 he played off the bench as an interchange forward in the 32-8 grand final win over the Sydney Roosters.
On December 2 last year the Leader ran the back page story that Merrin and his manager, Wayne Beavis, informed the club they had rejected its offer.
Beavis claimed certain conditions and promises in relation to private arrangements were not met.
So they rejected the offer the Dragons tabled at three years for $1.8 million.
Under the NRL's contract rules, players coming off contract that year — if they sign elsewhere — have until this June 30 to change their mind.
There is no official word from the Dragons that Merrin could reverse his decision and renegotiate a deal to stay with them.
I am told there are certain people at executive level at the Dragons who want Merrin to stay. But no formal approaches have been made.
But to keep Merrin now would cost the club more than they initially offered, as the Penrith deal Merrin signed is bigger than the Dragons' $1.8 million offer.
Perhaps a third party agreement from a generous benefactor could help.
Many Dragons fans on social media are mustering the troops to try tokeep Merrin.
On Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and through emails and text messages, fans have adopted the mantra: "Let's keep Trent Merrin."
Chief executive Peter Doust said nothing had changed officially in regard to Merrin's decision to join Penrith.
I contacted Wayne Beavis and asked him directly about Merrin's future.
He said: "Penrith contract signed, I have not received an approach from Saints for TM to reverse the decision."
Personally, I would like to see Merrin stay in his beloved red and white.
I don't have a crystal ball, but I have an inkling that we haven't heard the last of where Merrin will play next year and beyond.
Can the Dragons fans get the ball rolling and keep Trent Merrin in the Big Red V?
