They were premiership heroes with St George Illawarra in 2010.
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On Saturday, it was announced Thirroul junior Matt Prior would replace Trent Merrin at UK Super League club Leeds.
The move means Merrin would finally seal a return to the Dragons following lengthy discussions in the wake of Jack de Belin being stood down under the NRL's 'no-fault' policy while facing rape allegations and the exit of second-rower Luciano Leilua.
Shellharbour junior Merrin, 30, played 133 games for the Dragons in seven seasons, earning NSW State of Origin honours, before moving to Penrith in 2016.
"Trent could've jumped like a kangaroo all the way back to Australia he's that excited to come back to the Dragons," club recruitment manager Ian Millward said.
"Trent has indicated to the club several times over the past 12 months that he'd love to come home; an opportunity for this has since come up after the club granted Luciano his requested release.
"Luciano indicated he wouldn't be renewing his contract with the Dragons beyond the 2020 season. As a result we'll be able to do a multiple things as far as overall recruitment is concerned with Luciano's money."
Prior won a second NRL premiership with the Sharks in 2016.
Sharks coach John Morris said they reluctantly allowed Prior to leave.
"We didn't really want to lose a player of Matt's ability, character and experience, but with the restraints we are operating under due to our salary cap fine, we've had to let players go who we would have otherwise liked to keep," Morris said.
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