Trent Merrin will remain at Penrith in the NRL after knocking back a rich deal from English Super League outfit Leeds.
New Rhinos coach David Furner had been attempting to lure the former NSW and Australian forward to the club on a reported four-year contract.
After weeks of negotiations and uncertainty about Merrin's future, Panthers supremo Phil Gould took to Twitter on Wednesday to say the issue had been put to bed and the back-rower would stay in the NRL.
"Trent is staying at Penrith," Gould tweeted.
Merrin has two years remaining on his Penrith contract, however, it was reported that the club were seeking to free up salary cap space.
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Merrin had contacted Wayne Bennett, who is due to take over at South Sydney in 2020, fuelling speculation that he could be headed to Redfern.
Bennett had said Merrin had only contacted him for career advice and Gould insisted there was never any offer from the Rabbitohs.
Earlier, Furner said he was interested in signing Merrin as a second marquee player alongside former Gold Coast centre Konrad Hurrell.
At a press conference held in England overnight, Furner strongly hinted at his interest in Merrin but it now appears that the 29-year-old will remain at the foot of the mountains.
"There is interest on both sides," Furner said.
"No contract has been signed and he's still with Penrith at the moment but there have been talks.
"We've got another quota spot and I'm looking at bringing in world class players in if we can."
