Former Canterbury Bulldog and Wests Tigers forward Trent Runciman is "almost definitely, pretty sure," that he won't return to the National Rugby League.
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Runciman, who turns 25 in April, will play with the Wellington Cowboys this season in the Tooheys Group 11 premiership and has moved back to the family farm.
He will take his place in the Cowboys' second row tomorrow against Singleton in the AAMI Country Challenge Cup match at Kennard Park, starting at 6pm.
After six years as a professional footballer he spent 2003 overseas to "see a bit of the world" but has settled back in the town where it all began.
"I played two years of under-18s with Wellington as a 16 and 17-year-old then I moved to play with Canterbury," Runciman recalled.
"I had four years there and played a few first grade games and won two reserve grade premierships, then I went to Wests Tigers and played about 25 games of first grade in two years.
"Basically I was sick of Sydney. I always wanted to come home to Wellington after football.
"Sydney was great when I was young, and I know I'm only young still, but for a young guy it's a great place and I'd had enough of it.
"I'm now back on the farm and back to reality."
As soon as Runciman had dropped his suitcase on the floor of the family home news spread that the big second rower was back in town.
Wellington coach Bryan Johnson was eager to have Runciman in his forward pack and to help nurture the next generation of Cowboys.
"There's no other team I'd play for," Runciman said.
"From what I've heard it's going to be a great comp this year with a few teams spending up on players and hopefully we'll be right up with them.
"I'd like to help out with the young fellows and encourage them to give it a go in Sydney if they've got the talent.
"I know a lot of young blokes don't make it but it is worth doing. I think it's important they finish high school here with their mates then move, although for some kids who are getting themselves in trouble up here it can be good to send them before they finish school.
"It is hard for the country kids. They're not used to training hard and living away from their families and they're used to playing one hard game every five weeks or so, whereas down there you're playing tough footy every week."
Runciman knows he could find a spot in Sydney. He became good friends with Bob Lindner who is closely linked with the Western Suburbs side of the joint venture that is the Wests Tigers.
Runciman was suspended twice, for three weeks on both occasions for head-high tackles, in his last season with Wests Tigers and had to fight his way through Western Suburbs first division to get back in the top team.
"I could go down there and play for Wests again if I wanted to," he said.
"I really enjoyed playing for Western Suburbs and they were happy with me but if I wasn't in first grade then it wouldn't be worth it.
"I'd prefer to be having a run with Wellington.
"Plus, I'm looking forward to playing with Mick Peachey and Blacky (Paul Black)."
