RUGBY LEAGUE
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If Trent Merrin decides to backflip on his lucrative three-year deal with Penrith to remain at the Dragons, Paul McGregor certainly isn't going to stand in his way.
Merrin is rumoured to be tossing up his options in regard to reneging on the Panthers contract, which is thought to be worth more than $2 million over the three years.
The suggestion was made this week as St George Illawarra shoots for its sixth straight victory, while an injury-plagued Penrith has only beaten Manly in its past six outings.
The Origin forward originally went looking for a new NRL club after failing to agree to a contract extension with the Red V at the end of last year.
He knocked back an offer from the Dragons which was said to be the biggest deal ever tabled by the club to a forward.
Recruitment boss Peter Mulholland may want to start scratching for extra room under the salary cap if the rumours on Merrin's change of heart are correct.
McGregor will happily leave the door open for the 25-year-old to stay at WIN Stadium.
"That would be nice," McGregor said. "That would be great, but I've got no control over that.
"I worry about coaching, we've got two people full-time that manage that [recruitment]."
The Merrin rumour follows similar high-profile circumstances where NRL players have considered turning their back on deals and contracts.
Daly Cherry-Evans this week denied the suggestion he will pull out of a contract signed with Gold Coast just weeks ago, while Greg Inglis - arguably the game's best player - went back on a handshake deal with the Broncos before signing with South Sydney in 2011.
Rugby league super-coach Wayne Bennett took aim at the NRL on Friday for leaving loopholes for players to get out of signed contracts.
As the law stands, players are allowed to renege on a deal up until round 13 of the current season.
This would allow Merrin to tear up his Panthers contract as long as he does it before June 5.
McGregor was careful not to comment too much on the situation when he fronted media at WIN Stadium on Friday.
"It's a tough call," he said.
"I don't think we'll have to worry about it in another 20 weeks when the competition's finished.
"It's going to be all over and done with and it won't be there.
"It's an easy one for me, [but] I'd prefer not to comment on it."
Kiwi international Jason Nightingale, Ben Creagh and Mike Cooper headline the list of quality players off-contract with the Dragons after this season.