The Panthers were understood to be keen to release Merrin to ease salary cap pressure.

The Rhinos have made the back-rower a marquee signing and joins the club along with fellow NRL players Konrad Hurrell and Tui Lolohea for 2019.

Merrin has played more than 200 games in the NRL with St George Illawarra Dragons and Penrith in 2016.

The 29-year-old has represented both Australia and NSW in State of Origin.

“Trent Merrin has given our club three years of outstanding service, both on and off the field,” Panthers executive general manager Phil Gould said.

“The Panthers played finals football in each of the three seasons he spent at the club. Apart from the tremendous football he has played, Trent has been instrumental in mentoring the careers of a number of our young players.

“We wish Trent well with his new challenge in the English Super League. Leeds has secured itself a very good man."

Merrin said he has “done everything I possibly could in the NRL and this is a great opportunity for me to come to a great club with a fantastic culture and hopefully achieve some goals together”.

“It is good to have clarity about my future, I am looking forward to coming to a new country, stepping outside of my comfort zone and being part of something special with Leeds,” he said.

“There is a lot I still want to achieve. I want to put my best foot forward and, when I eventually come back home, I want to be able to look back on a special period in my life.

"I have spent time with Dave Furner in camp before and enjoyed the experience. He is obviously well respected at Leeds from his time there as a player and has built an impressive coaching career in the NRL since then.”