Dragons star Trent Merrin signs on with Panthers

Penrith has won the race to sign NSW forward Trent Merrin after the front-rower agreed to a three-year deal with the Panthers believed to be worth in the region of $2 million.

News Limited have reported that the St George Illawarra star will link up with Ivan Cleary's team at the start of the 2016 campaign after failing to agree terms with the Dragons.

Penrith have led the push to sign the 25-year-old, who played in the Dragons' 2010 premiership-winning side, but late interest from his former coach Wayne Bennett at Brisbane had put the move in doubt.

However, it is believed Merrin's desire to remain living on the NSW South Coast and commute to Penrith proved to be the decisive factor in choosing the Panthers.