FORMER Super League and NRL forward Trent Merrin has been charged with cryptocurrency fraud.

Merrin, 36, was arrested on suspicion of stealing AU$140,000 worth of digital currency.

He has been accused of accessing the crypto account of a 29-year-old man without permission and transferring the sum.

The former Leeds Rhinos and St George Illawarra Dragons forward was charged with dishonestly obtaining a financial advantage by deception.

“Police will allege in court that the man accessed the 29-year-old man’s account and transferred $140,000 worth of cryptocurrency,” a police statement said.

Merrin, who won the 2010 NRL Grand Final with the Dragons, was granted conditional bail and is scheduled to face Port Kembla Local Court on December 3.

Following his retirement from rugby league in 2021, Merrin now describes himself as a “dedicated entrepreneur and investor with a passion for crypto.”

He spent one season with Leeds in 2019, making 28 appearances, and was capped seven times by Australia.