Dale’s delighted to be back with the Giants

Dale Ferguson scores for the Giants against Bradford Bulls and at Super League’s Magic Weekend at the Etihad Stadium in 2013 and (inset) back in Huddersfield colours clashes against Australia, New Zealand and England.

And the 28-year-old admits he’s excited about the prospect of pulling on a claret and gold shirt once again.

“It was tough to leave Huddersfield the first time around, but at the time it was the right thing to do,” said Ferguson.

“But as soon as the opportunity arose to come back, I jumped at the chance.

“Everyone wants to play Super League top level and I’ve spoken to (Giants head coach) Rick Stone and I like what he is about and what he wants from the club. That’s why I’m on board and I want the club to move in the right direction.

“I’ve been with both Ryan (Brierley) and Danny (Brough) at Scotland for the Four Nations and they are world-class half-backs and they’ve proven it against the world’s best, so to play with them at club level is great and I’m looking forward to getting into pre-season now and joining up with the rest of the squad.”

Giants chief Stone added: “Dale was signed to the club a while back and so I was keen to see how he would do in the Four Nations and I was suitably impressed.

“He showed a lot of class and toughness against three world-class teams in that tournament, he has a good skill set, is tough and will compete hard, which will bring plenty to our squad.”

Ferguson was offered an extended break following his Four Nations campaign, which he declined in order to get started early with the Giants – something which has impressed Stone.

“Dale has come back early, even though we offered him some time off following the internationals, and that shows the type of attitude he has got.

“That is the level of commitment and work ethic we’re looking to have in this squad and I’m looking forward to seeing more of him in training.” LEEDS chief executive Gary Hetherington has told hooker James Segeyaro he will not be granted his wish of an early release from his contract.

The 26-year-old 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.

Segeyaro officially took up a two-year contract in September, removing a get-out clause at the same time, but has stated his desire to remain in Australia, where he is enjoying an extended off-season break.

“I wouldn’t say I was pressured into taking up an option to re-sign with Leeds, but I certainly didn’t have the support network I lean on when I make key life decisions,” Segeyaro was quoted as saying in The Sunday Telegraph in Australia.

“I told them I can’t make the decision to take up the option without sitting down with my family.

“But we had a deadline and I had to make a decision. That’s what I’ve explained to Gary throughout this period.

“I want to get on with my life and unfortunately that doesn’t include going back to the UK. I just can’t do it.”

But Hetherington has reiterated the club’s stance that Segeyaro, who has been heavily linked with a move to NRL champions Cronulla, is not for sale.

“The comments attributed to James have obviously come as a big disappointment and a surprise following my meeting with him and his manager Sam Ayoub last Wednesday,” said Hetherington.

“When speculation first broke regarding Cronulla and their interest in James, I alerted both the RFL and NRL chief executives to the issue and the NRL confirmed a player cannot be registered with an NRL club whilst his registration sits with a Super League club, and in James’ case he is registered with us until the end of 2018.

“Interest in him from other NRL clubs has been reported but they know he is not for sale. However I have no doubt this has become a key issue.

“The integrity of our game is now on the line.”