Former NRL star Trent Merrin faces court for allegedly stealing $140k worth of crypto

Former NRL star Trent Merrin has faced court over allegations he stole $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency.

The 36-year-old former State of Origin and Australian Test lock appeared in Port Kembla Local Court on the NSW South Coast, but did not enter a plea.

Defence lawyer Harry Lollback asked the court for a one-week adjournment as some of the facts of the case were still to be determined.

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Lollback is expected to enter a plea on behalf of Merrin at the next court date on December 10.

Merrin was arrested in November 2025 following a year-long investigation by police.

He was charged with dishonestly obtaining financial advantage by deception and was granted bail.

Police allege Merrin accessed a 29-year-old man's account, believed to be a friend, and transferred $140,000 worth of Bitcoin.

During his rugby league career, Merrin played 13 games for NSW and was part of the state's drought-breaking success in 2014.

He also played seven Tests for Australia and more than 150 games for the St George Illawarra Dragons, winning the 2010 NRL Grand Final with the club.

In 2015, he signed a five-year contract with the Penrith Panthers and then played one season in the English Super League team Leeds.

Merrin retired from the sport in April 2021, aged 32.

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