Leeds Rhinos Chief Executive Gary Hetherington has confirmed that James Segeyaro will remain at the club and has added that he is looking forward to next season with the Rhinos.
Hetherington revealed that he met with the Papua New Guinean hooker in Sydney and confirmed that a number of NRL clubs have shown an interest in securing Segeyaro – but Hetherington is in Australia finalising plans for the club’s official tours to the World Cup next season.
Hetherington commented: “There has been interest from NRL clubs in James and one club in particular but I have explained to them that Leeds Rhinos are not prepared to consider a release or transfer so that is the end of the matter. I met up with James here in Sydney and he is in good condition and due back with us on 3rd January.”
Segeyaro joined the Rhinos from Penrith Panthers in July for the remainder of the 2016 season, making ten appearances for the club and scoring six tries.
He made his NRL debut in 2011 against Melbourne Storm for the Cowboys and went on to play 33 times for them before joining the Panthers in 2013. He made 70 appearances for Penrith and scored 26 tries.
Given the short notice that Segeyaro joined the Rhinos with in July, he has been given extra time at home in Australia during the close season but has a training programme that mirrors the work the players who are currently in pre-season are doing. Rhinos Head of Athletic Performance Jason Davidson, who is in weekly contact with Segeyaro, commented, “James has the same programme as the current squad. This is something we have done for a number of years when our overseas players are allowed extra time back home during the off season.”
Segeyaro agreed a new two year contract at the end of last season that will keep him at Headingley Carnegie until at least the end of the 2018 Betfred Super League season.
