Footy cult hero Trent Merrin DEFENDS Curtis Scott after NRL reject fallen star's request to return to the game - as he eyes off a fresh start in English Super League or rugby union

Former NRL prop Trent Merrin has raised eyebrows after defending disgraced centre Curtis Scott on social media.

Merrin, 34, shared a story on Instagram which stated NRL powerbrokers recently told the 26-year-old they won't allow him to return to the code next season.

'Imagine if the game protected there (sic) product,' the front-rower bizarrely posted. 

'Head up Curtis Scott.'

Scott is now believed to be exploring his options in the UK Super League or in rugby union.

A premiership winner with the Melbourne Storm in 2017, Scott was found guilty of three charges in 2022 against his ex-partner Tay-Leiha Clark.

The serious charges were assault occasioning actual bodily harm, common assault and stalk or intimidate with the intention of causing fear or physical harm.

Facing the possibility of a jail term, Scott was handed a 12-month community corrections order.

He later appealed the verdict, but failed to have the convictions overturned.

Scott - who was also sacked by the Canberra Raiders for another off-field issue -  is believed to have recently told rugby league bosses he had successfully turned his life around.

But his plea to return to the sport fell on deaf ears.

'A lot of the mistakes I've made happened when I was under the influence of alcohol... I've cut it out of my life,' Scott told News Corp.

'I've made mistakes yes. But I've learnt from them. I want to help others.

'I am sorry. I regret all the incidents heavily. They play on my mind daily. I'm extremely sorry I've brought the game into disrepute.

'I have to wake up and look at myself in the mirror every day and sometimes it's hard to see.'