Leeds Rhinos considering legal action over James Segeyaro
The Hooker will not finish the final 2 years of his contract.
Leeds have put a £250,000 valuation on James Segeyaro and are considering legal action over his decision to renege on his contract with the club to remain in Australia.
The 26-year-old is due back in England in January from an extended off-season break but recently told Australian media he did not want to return to Leeds. The Rhinos had maintained Segeyaro was not for sale but on Monday morning invited offers from NRL clubs for their wantaway hooker.
In a statement the club said:
"Leeds Rhinos hooker James Segeyaro's decision to renege on the final two years of his contract to stay in Australia has resulted in the Rhinos' decision to place a valuation of £250,000 on Segeyaro and to consider legal proceedings against him for breach of contract,''
"The Rhinos have engaged legal advisors and are currently considering all legal options available to the club in relation to this matter.''
Gary Hetherington last week expressed his disappointment over Segeyaro's comments after holding a positive meeting with the player and his manager in Australia.
The Rhinos chief executive has now accepted the club will lose Segeyaro, although not without a fight.
"We take this matter very seriously,'' said Hetherington. "James' decision has created a big problem for us and created uncertainty throughout our organisation."
We are aware of the interest in him from a number of NRL clubs but we have our interests to protect as well and need to consider all avenues in this matter.'' Segeyaro made a big impact at the Rhinos after joining them, initially on loan, from Australian club Penrith in July, helping them win nine of their last 10 matches of the season to comfortably retain their Super League status.
The Papua New Guinea international officially took up a two-year contract in September, removing a get-out clause at the same time, but now looks certain to join an NRL club, with champions Cronulla among the frontrunners for his signature.
Leeds are the second Super League club to seek legal advice with Castleford preparing for a high-court battle with Denny Solomona, who scored a record 40 tries in Super League in 2016, after he failed to turn up for pre-season training amid rumours of a switch of codes.
Segeyaro joins scrum-half Chris Sandow, who walked out on Warrington despite having a year left on his contract, in refusing to return from Australia.