For the first time since being linked with an early release from his contract with the Wests Tigers, Jayden Sullivan has broken his silence on the situation and insisted he is "not going anywhere".
In the first season of a four-year contract with theย Wests Tigers, Sullivan's future has been clouded in uncertainty since being axed to the NSW Cupย - before being called back up to the team.
Only 22, rumours recently emerged that CEO Shane Richardson was trying to offload him out of the club, along with other players.
Then, earlier this week, The Herald reported that he and centre Brent Naden were granted permission to leave the club despite being contracted, and that the club had come to an agreement with the Salford Red Devils in the Super League for his services.
However, Sullivan has broken his silence on the exit rumours, stating he won't be leaving the Tigers anytime soon and that he will remain at the club for the next four years until his contract expires.
โ100 per cent, I don't plan on going anywhere anytime soon,โ Sullivan toldย The Sydney Morning Herald.
โI'm a Wests Tiger for the next four years, that's what I plan on doing. Personally, I don't think anything has changed โฆ
โAt the end of the day we are all human, and it probably does take an effect on me. But I've got a really good support base around me, my Dad has been my biggest supporter ever since I was born.
"My sisters have good shoulders to lean on if you ever need someone to talk to. Everyone in the NRL looks after each other.
โIt's been tough, but it will only make me stronger.โ
Revealing that he will remain at the club for the remainder of his contract, Sullivan is hoping to cement a regular spot in the starting halves and is aiming to play alongside three-time premiership winner Jarome Luai in 2025.
However, he will have to contend with veteran Aidan Sezer, rookies Latu Fainu and Lachlan Galvin, and the returning Adam Doueihi.
โ100 per cent,โ he added.
โEveryone wants to play first grade and I feel like our results aren't showing.
โOur efforts are there week in and week out. That's what I want to do, play my best footy and be in the starting 17.
โThe lads we have coming [Luai and Panthers teammate Sunia Turuva] next year are experienced players. They've won three premierships in a row, done everything in the game.
โThey will bring extra experience to help the senior players like John Bateman and Api.
โThe older heads will point us in the right direction, which will help us having such a young squad.โ
