We have profiled some of the recent disastrous sojourns by NRL players into the inferior Super League.
4. James Segeyaro
After falling out of favour with then Penrith coach Anthony Griffin, as well as being photographed at dinner with senior bikie figure Paulie Younan, the Panthers thought it best to try and get the 2014 Dally M hooker of the year off their wage bill.
Following a trade with Leeds that saw fullback Zak Hardaker go the other way, Segeyaro signed an initial loan deal with the Rhinos, and then later went onto sign a two-year contract, simultaneously removing a get-out clause from his new deal.
Segeyaro made a big impact at his new club, helping them win nine of the first ten games which he played in. But sadly for Rhinos fans, after returning to Australia for Christmas break in December, Segeyaroโs manager informed Leeds that he would not be returning.
Similarly to Chris Sandow, Segeyaro never requested a formal release, rather deciding to be in breach of his contract by remaining in Australia.
This led to Leeds slapping a reported ยฃ250,000 transfer fee on his head to scare off potential suitors. After realising there was zero chance that Segeyaro would be returning to the North of England, Leeds agreed an undisclosed settlement with the Cronulla Sharks that would allow them to register Segeyaro as an NRL player.
Leeds CEO Gary Hetherington later described the episode as having left "a bitter taste."
