Leeds Rhinos’ star hooker James Segeyaro has confirmed that he does not want to return to the club.
The Papua New Guinean international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Super League club throughout the season, with Cronulla among the NRL sides he has been linked with.
On Wednesday, the Rhinos released a statement claiming that Segeyaro would remain at the club throughout 2017.
However, the 26-year-old has broken his silence on the transfer speculation and confirmed that he does not want to return to the UK due to homesickness.
“This isn’t about rugby league, it’s about, happiness,” he told the Courier Mail.
“I couldn’t thank Gary enough, the coaching staff and the players for accepting me the way they did,’’ Segeyaro said. “The fans made playing there, great.
“You start missing home, you look on your phone and see your parents and friends, who I treat like family and you’re a million miles away.
“That’s probably when I started questioning; ‘why am I doing this?’
“I’m a person who likes to do a lot of things, be outside and active.
“I was trying to do that over in England, but it’s not me. Mentally, I wasn’t happy … I found myself so lonely.
Segeyaro continued: “I wouldn’t say I was pressured into taking up an option to re-sign with Leeds, but I certainly didn’t have the support network I lean on when I make key life decisions.
“I told them (Leeds) I can’t make the decision to take up the option (to remain with the club until the end of 2017) without sitting down with my family.
“But we had a deadline and I had to make a decision. That’s what I’ve explained to Gary throughout this period.
“I want to get on with my life and unfortunately, that doesn’t include going back to the UK. I just can’t do it.
“I’m due back with Leeds on January 3, but honestly I’m not even looking that far ahead, I’m just taking each day as it comes.”