Video: James Segeyaro expecting to '˜flourish' after move to Leeds Rhinos

FORMER NRL hooker of the year James Segeyaro has insisted he is happy to be at Leeds Rhinos and believes the English style of play is 'straight up my alley'.
NEW MAN IN TOWN: Leeds Rhinos' new signing, James Segeyaro. Picture James HardistyNEW MAN IN TOWN: Leeds Rhinos' new signing, James Segeyaro. Picture James Hardisty
NEW MAN IN TOWN: Leeds Rhinos' new signing, James Segeyaro. Picture James Hardisty

Leeds have signed the highly-rated Papua New Guinea international until the end of the season as part of a swap deal that saw Man of Steel Zak Hardaker replace him at Penrith Panthers.

Segeyaro has already been linked with a move back to Australia next year, but Leeds are keen to persuade him to stay on a long-term basis and he said he turned down other offers to join Super League’s bottom-placed club.

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“This is the best opportunity for me,” said Segeyaro, who arrived in this country two days ago and will make his debut away to Hull on Friday night.

NEW MAN IN TOWN: Leeds Rhinos' new signing, James Segeyaro. Picture James HardistyNEW MAN IN TOWN: Leeds Rhinos' new signing, James Segeyaro. Picture James Hardisty
NEW MAN IN TOWN: Leeds Rhinos' new signing, James Segeyaro. Picture James Hardisty

“This is one that will let me enjoy my football and where I can flourish the most. I think the type of football Rhinos play is going to suit me.

“My energy in general and my performance around the ruck is a big part of my game, bringing my forwards on to the ball and getting the team rolling around the park and where it needs to be.

“I think Super League will suit me, 100 per cent. I have been watching some games and it’s straight up my alley.”

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Most of Segeyaro’s initial contract will be spent in the Qualifiers as Leeds battle to retain their Super League status. He said he is aware of what lies ahead.

HAPPY DAYS: New Leeds Rhinos' signing, James Segeyaro, chatting during the press conference, alongside head coach Brian McDermott. Picture: James Hardisty.HAPPY DAYS: New Leeds Rhinos' signing, James Segeyaro, chatting during the press conference, alongside head coach Brian McDermott. Picture: James Hardisty.
HAPPY DAYS: New Leeds Rhinos' signing, James Segeyaro, chatting during the press conference, alongside head coach Brian McDermott. Picture: James Hardisty.

“It’s very new to me, but I understand the position we are in at the moment,” he said.

“I haven’t come here to lose, I have come here to win.

Leeds Rhinos is a powerhouse of Super League and it needs to be where it belongs, which is back up at the top.”