Gould says Merrin won't head to Leeds

Penrith executive general manager Phil Gould has announced Trent Merrin will not be leaving the club to take up a lucrative offer from Super League club Leeds.

Gould posted on Twitter on Wednesday morning to say Merrin would remain at the Panthers in 2019

He also replied to a tweet to say Merrin was never offered a deal to switch to South Sydney.

It comes just hours after newly appointed Leeds Rhinos coach David Furner confirmed talks with Merrin were ongoing as the club looked to secure at least one more marquee player for the 2019 Super League season.

Furner arrived in the UK on Tuesday to begin his head coaching role after departing South Sydney at season's end.

The former Australian international had been linked to Leeds in the past fortnight with the Panthers reportedly allowing the prop to explore his options for next year.

Furner said both the club and Merrin were mutually interested in a move.

"There's interest, and there's interest from both sides but certainly no contract has been signed," Furner said.

"There's obviously been talks. It's whether we can. That's where we're at. He's still with Penrith at the moment."

We are obviously looking at bringing in world-class players if we can.

David Furner

English Super League clubs are allowed two players to be contracted with dispensations in the salary cap.

Leeds confirmed at least one marquee spot has been filled and if Merrin would not take up the offer then they would still be on the lookout for a big-name signing.

"I've been in close contact with Kev and Gary about availability, whether that be a quota spot. I've definitely been doing my homework. We are obviously looking at bringing in world-class players if we can.

"It's a philosophy of mine they've got to be good people on and off the field."

Leeds went close to relegation in 2018 after a disappointing season that later saw Brian McDermott sacked in July.

Furner takes over the role after spending two seasons as a player with the Rhinos in 2003. He was more recently assistant coach at South Sydney under Anthony Seibold and Michael Maguire.

The 47-year-old made his intentions clear for 2019 with Tongan pair Konrad Hurrell and Tui Lolohea joining the club on long-term deals.

His relationship with the pair came through Tongan camp where he was assistant coach to Kristian Woolf during the 2017 Rugby League World Cup.

"They're both international players, the experience for them, there's a lot more in both players," Furner said.

"There is pressure on them, I've been there myself. But it's more about excitement. The atmosphere is a bit different. I missed that back in Australia. I missed the energy, even at away games. Whether it's the singing or passion.

"I think they can become better players here."