Brett Morris may be off to join brother Josh at Bulldogs

St George Illawarra star  Trent Merrin admits he has no idea if he and Brett Morris will be teammates at the Dragons next season.

Morris, who is in the final year of his contract with the joint-venture club, is reported to have requested a release to join his twin brother Josh at Canterbury.

The Dragons released a statement on Tuesday denying reports Morris had been given permission to test the market by speaking to other teams.

It also went on to say they were aware another club had offered him more money than he would earn in 2015.

But with the Test and NSW winger earning above $400,000 next year at the Red V and with the Dragons already under huge salary-cap pressure, coach Paul McGregor and the board of directors may reluctantly have to let him depart.

‘‘It’s personal to him and it’s a decision that he has to make. I am not too sure what’s going on,’’ Merrin said.

‘‘It’s not our business at the moment. He has to focus on him and the family. He hasn’t said a word to us about it.

‘‘He’s been at the club since he debuted and it would be very sad to see him leave. But he has to do what he has to do.’’

McGregor was named head coach on a permanent basis in August after the Dragons missed out on bringing Brisbane-bound Wayne Bennett back to the club.

The former NSW centre did a decent job in steadying the ship following two underwhelming seasons under Steve Price.

McGregor spoke recently about his desire for change with a list of players believed to include Dan Hunt, Gerard Beale and Dylan Farrell told to find new clubs.

Highly-respected recruitment manager Peter Mulholland was also brought on board from Newcastle and, with experienced performers such as Jason Nightingale and Ben Creagh off contract at the end of 2015, some tough decisions will need to be made.

Merrin’s current deal also expires at the end of next year and the NSW forward is certain to attract interest, with Bennett a well-known admirer.

With Ben Hannant likely to head to the Gold Coast and prop Martin Kennedy’s future under a cloud, the Broncos have space for a new forward.

Merrin is keen for negotiations to conclude before the start of pre-season, with the 24-year-old free to start discussions with rival clubs on November 1.

‘‘I want to stay ... but I don’t know the club’s circumstances in terms of finances but I think  ‘Mary’ has been left with what he’s been left with,’’ Merrin said.  

AAP