The Rhinos are seeking a A$400,000 transfer fee after the former Penrith star walked out on the club with two years left on his contract.

Cronulla were hoping to sign Segeyaro for 2017 in replacement of retired premiership-winning hooker Michael Ennis.

Segeyaro's manager Sam Ayoub told News Corp his Leeds contract was invalid prompting Rhinos boss Gary Hetherington to hit back.

"We have a bona fide contract that is currently lodged with the RFL,” Hetherington told Press Association Sport.

“If they want to go through the courts, that's their prerogative.

"He terminated that contract by failing to return to the club but he remains on our register and on the transfer list.

"We have had no request from Cronulla and the NRL have confirmed that while ever he is registered with the RFL he cannot be registered with them."