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I figured we might as well have a thread on James Segeyaro as we are actively trying to sign him.
AN emotional James Segeyaro has sighted loneliness and homesickness as the reason behind his plea to avoid returning to Leeds in the English Super League.
Breaking his silence on his desperate bid to remain in Australia, the talented hooker spoke of his ‘struggle with the English culture’ while also declaring; “this isn’t about rugby league, it’s about happiness.’’
“We always tell people, ‘if you’re not happy, then why are you doing it?,’’ Segeyaro said. “And that’s what this is about, being happy.’’
Contracted to Leeds for 2017, Segeyaro informed Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington, who is currently in Australia, last Wednesday of his reluctance to return and continue playing in the UK and for the club which he joined after being released from Penrith last June.
“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.
“And my time there, although it was only eight weeks, helped me to mature as a person and be independent.
“But it’s hard when it’s just you eating dinner by yourself within four walls, especially the type of person I am.
“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?’
Born in Papua New Guinea, Segeyaro moved to Cairns with his mother at age seven.
A breakdown in his birth-parents marriage led him to living with the parents of his close mate, Trent Barnard.
Segeyaro now calls Susan and Dean Barnard, his mum and dad.
James Segeyaro with his ‘family’ (L-R) Dean, Susan, Taylor and Trent Barnard.
“I’ve never been further than a quick flight home to mum and dad ... and here I was living in a different country,’’ Segeyaro said.
“The last two weeks I spent over there I tried hard to get into the English culture as I was really struggling.
“But I’m from North Queensland and I was born to go outside all the time. I fish, swim, go camping, all my childhood was outside.
“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.
“I needed my friends and my family who are number one. Anyone that knows my story, knows how close my family and friends are to me.
“I missed them so much. I missed my friends and in the last two weeks, I was so homesick.
“As soon as I got home, it was like a relief. I was so happy.
“Everyone is different and for me, I didn’t realise how much I needed my friends and family until I didn’t have that.’’
Close mates with Cronulla Sharks vice-captain Wade Graham, Segeyaro has been heavily linked with the premiers as an able replacement for retired hooker Michael Ennis.
“I haven’t talked with any Clubs nor have I signed with anyone, how can I anyway? I need to sort out this matter,’’ Segeyaro said.
“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 have a clothing label business that I am working on and I’m focused on my business studies. My dream is to open a cafe in Cairns, sometime in the future.
“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.’’
http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport...e/news-story/6d5641453dc8a901f0cadd50416950bd
