Penrith Panther Trent Merrin buys near Shellharbour

Penrith Panther Trent Merrin hasn't strayed far from his upbringing with his latest property purchase.

The long-time St George Illawara Dragon has spent $1.3 million on a home in Shellharbour, near his native Wollongong.

Merrin snapped the home up in 21 days, before its scheduled auction.

It was sold a lot quicker than Shellharbour's average 75 plus days on market.

Ray White Shellharbour selling agent Amanda Bonnici described the home as one of the finest properties to come onto the Shellharbour Village market.

The modern four bedroom family home has ocean views from its 360 sqm parcel.

An alfresco deck with salt water swimming pool opens from the kitchen and living area.

Merrin has always kept his property portfolio close to home, previously owning in Barrack Heights and Flinders. 

The settlement comes after he quit the title on the Gerroa he shared with former fiancee, professional surfer Sally Fitzgibbon.

It was late 2016 when his name was put on the title of the waterfront reserve cottage that cost Fitzgibbon $1,225,000 in 2010.

But after the couple split up he signed it back over late last year.

Merrin started his career at the Dragons where he played in the winning 2010 NRL Grand Final.

He's been at the Panthers since 2016, signing an initial three year contract and since finding his career best form has recently extended his stay at the foot of the mountains until the end of 2020. 

This article was first published in the Sunday Telegraph.