Friday 8 July 2016 07:00, UK
James Segeyaro has told Sky Sports the welcome he received from Leeds Rhinos made him feel like a returning veteran of the club.
The former Penrith man only arrived in Leeds on Monday after a club switch with last year's Man of Steel Zak Hardaker, but has already been named in Brian McDermott's squad for Friday's clash with Hull FC, live on Sky Sports.
McDermott said in a press conference earlier in the week that Segeyaro would play this weekend regardless of jet lag, but fortunately for the Leeds boss, his new arrival has adjusted well to the time difference.
"I'm pretty fresh," Segeyaro told Sky Sports on Thursday. "It hit me on Tuesday afternoon a bit, the jet lag, so I had a couple of early nights and feeling fresh this morning.
"We had a captain's run and it went pretty silky so I'm ready for Friday night.
"It's been overwhelming and like I said it feels like I've been here for five years, so I can definitely see myself sticking around."
"It's a big game for myself and also a big game for Leeds Rhinos as a club, considering the position we're at."
The 25-year-old was caught off guard by the warm reception from his new club, which he says has made him feel like he was returning to an old club, rather than arriving at a new one.
"Honestly, the team-mates and the club have all gone out their way," said Segeyaro.
"Every individual within the club and team has welcomed me with open arms and gone out their way to send me a message to let me know to get in touch if there's anything I need.
"I can't give the club any more credit or higher praise for what they've done so far. It feels like I've been here for the last five years."
The Papua New Guinea international has signed with the defending Super League champions until the end of the year, stating initially that he wasn't sure what his future holds thereafter, but already seems to be considering extending his stay.
"Yeah, that's what's half-scary! It's been overwhelming and like I said, it feels like I've been here for five years, so I can definitely see myself sticking around.
"In saying that, I just want to take it day by day and to come out Friday and put a real good performance in for the boys, for the club and for the supporters."
Segeyaro says the open communication from team-mates off the field has translated to an easier transition for him on it.
"Obviously at the start it's a bit tough when you start running plays, but after the captain's run, I'm pretty confident and the whole team is confident and ready for a big performance on Friday," he added.
"With combinations and everything, if you come into a team halfway through the year, it's going to be hard, but if you build the combinations and you interact off the field, it benefits you.
"Especially with me in my position... I'm a hooker, so I have to interact with my halves and full-back and my forwards, especially to ask them how and when they want the ball.
"The boys have been tremendous in that aspect of telling me straight up how they want the ball and keeping it very simple for me."
Segeyaro says he won't change too much of his game as he integrates into a new league and system.
"If I think about trying to play a different game from what I'm used to, then I'm going to bring my game down. I think how I play the game suits this competition so I have no worries about that.
"If I play my football, I believe it will benefit the team as well as benefit myself to give me confidence to help the club throughout the season."
The playmaker endured a troubled season in the NRL this season, breaking his arm against the Canberra Raiders and struggling to make his way back into the team after making his return, before eventually signing with Leeds.
Segeyaro believes going through that difficult patch makes him a good match for a Rhinos outfit who have not lived up to their billing in 2016.
"That's the mindset I came here with," he said. "I've been in the position Leeds are in before, not necessarily in relegation but in terms of recent form.
"They were expected to do big things again this season and there has been some inconsistency and injuries have happened. I've been in that position before so I know what the goals are.
"Having experienced all that, I know what helps to get the confidence back."
Watch James Segeyaro in action as Leeds take on Hull FC live on Sky Sports 1 from 7.30pm on Friday. Catch the match for £6.99 with a NOW TV day pass.
