WHEN Bathurst rugby league talent Harry Siejka joined the Penrith Panthers in 2008 on a then record $75,000 contract for a 16-year-old it seemed like he was headed for a big future in the game, but six years on he is still trying to fulfil his potential.
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However, rather than be disheartened by that, Siejka is using it to motivate him ahead of season 2015 when he will line up for English club Bradford.
His mission will be to help the Bulls return to the Super League competition.
“I was good coming through as a junior, but I haven’t really done much since I left the under 20s, which I’m disappointed about,” he told Bradford’s newspaper.
“The two years since coming out of the under 20s, I’ve had serious injuries in both years but, with the medical staff at Bradford, I’m hoping to have a good year this year.
“I’m feeling more confident and like I’ve grown into my body to ensure I have a good year and hopefully help Bradford back into Super League and prove my worth.”
Though he made his NRL debut for the Panthers in 2011 and played a leading role in guiding the under 20s NSW side to victory over Queensland the following year, Siejka’s career has been hampered by injuries.
After just four NRL games for Penrith, Siejka went to the New Zealand Warriors in 2013. He could not force his way into the top side.
From there it was on to St George Illawarra, where he started with feeder side the Illawarra Cutters, but his bid for a fifth NRL appearance did not eventuate due to injury.
He ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and had to undergo a knee reconstruction.
Looking for a change, he then signed a one-year deal with the Wakefield Wildcats at the start of this year. But after overcoming visa problems, his troublesome knee kept him from really shining.
It meant he had limited game time and was not favoured by the Wildcats coaching staff.
“I wouldn’t say there was any game where I played well because I struggled a bit after my injury,” Siejka admitted.
“I played earlier than I should have done because I was meant to have nine months out with the knee injury, but I ended up playing after seven- and-a-half.
“That knocked me around a bit and I couldn’t find my rhythm at Wakefield.
“I enjoyed myself there, the club was good and so were all the boys, but I couldn’t cement a spot there. That’s what I’m looking to do at Bradford now.”
The Bulls finished this season in England’s second tier competition – the Championship – but they are still a full-time team and have a strong history in the sport.
Coach Jimmy Lowes believes Siejka can help guide his side back to the top flight and the former Bathurst Panthers junior is expected to join Lee Gaskell in the halves.
Siejka can’t wait to pull on the number seven jersey.
“All my first grade games back home I played as a six, but I definitely feel more comfortable calling the shots from seven,” the 22-year-old said.
“As a halfback, you’ve got to direct the team around the field and make sure all the little things are right with the forwards going forward.
“I like that responsibility on my shoulders and if I can help put Lee through a couple of holes, or get the team rolling, then that’s fine by me.
“That’s the direction that Jimmy wants me to provide to the team, and I’d like to think I’ve got a strong kicking game too, so I’m really looking forward to next year.”
