during a PNG Rugby League World Cup media opportunity at XXXXXX on October 26, 2017 in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea.

Leigh Centurions have confirmed the release of Kurt Baptiste from his playing contract with the club with immediate effect due to personal and family reasons.

Baptiste will return to the NRL and has signed with the Sydney Roosters according to the club statement.

Leigh Centurions head of rugby Keiron Cunningham said: "Sometimes things just don’t work out with players from overseas which has been seen many times of late. It’s a big difference across the other side of the world and is sometimes a lonely place for players’ families trying to settle.

"Kurt arrived late with the World Cup and his holiday so missed the pre-season and then was unfortunate to sustain an injury which obviously set him back and added to the situation.

"We have always run a club where we put family first. Where a player’s happiness and well being is being affected it is in neither party’s interest for the relationship to continue if a mutual agreement can be found which we always endeavour to do and have managed on this occasion.

"We wish Kurt a safe journey back to Australia and a successful season once his injury recovers and thank him for showing an interest in our club."

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