Trent Merrin has revealed he knocked back an attempt from St George Illawarra to convince him to renege on his deal with the Penrith Panthers last year.
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The NSW Origin forward said he was humbled by the Dragons' slightly increased offer to backflip on the Panthers deal, however the 26-year-old is adamant the decision to move to the foot of the mountains is the most beneficial for his development.
Merrin announced he would be leaving his junior club on the eve of last season, admitting he was disappointed the club didn't follow through on initial discussions.
However the Dragons came back with a revised offer before the round 13 deadline and, while Merrin admits he began to consider the idea of reneging, he quickly cast those thoughts aside.
"There were a few conversations back and forth but my decision was made," Merrin told Fairfax Media.
"I didn't want to be one of those players that backflip. I knew I made a decision, it was the right decision and I know it was the right decision being here now and going through it.
“Look, things come into your head and you question yourself, but they weren't big questions. I knew for me personally I had to make that decision.
"It was great to see the club get back to where it should be. It was great to leave the place in a semi-final position.”
Merrin admitted complacency had crept into his game after five seasons in Wollongong that included the club’s 2010 premiership.
“Staying would have been the easy option, to stay where I was comfortable,” he said.
“That's why I made the decision to come out here to challenge myself. You only have a short career in rugby league and I wanted to make the most of it and test myself.
“I think I was getting a bit complacent and too comfortable where I was. I felt I needed a bit of a change, and a bit of a wake up call. It's been great. It's been challenging but it's all positive."
Merrin has moved out of the south coast and is now living in Penrith during the week, travelling back to the south coast on weekends to spend time with fiancee and pro surfer Sally Fitzgibbons when she is not on tour.
His departure from the Dragons has also been a massive adjustment for Fitzgibbons, who used to be a Red V ambassador.
"No, that's been kicked into touch," Merrin said of Fitzgibbons' ambassador role with the Dragons.
“She’s a Panthers tragic now. She’s on board.
“She was out here the other day actually kicking the footy around with me on the field. She loves it."
