Having only read the quote in an article and not seen it live, I was under the impression he was open to returning, not that he wants to. Spoke about how the club looked after him, so he obviously still has some affection for the place.
I'm not going to begrudge a professional athlete moving to another team. Every fan espouses loyalty; it's not dead but it's hardly a priority for everyone. People can't forget that Thurston's status in the rugby league pantheon was always under question until he won a premiership. Completely irrespective of his state and international resume, there was always that same line trotted out against him til they finally got one.
Teddy has openly discussed his desire to be the best fullback in the game, and I can understand he'd get the best chance at that recognition in a performing, successful team.
We're on our way, and yes, it sucks that he's leaving, but success is a perfectly reasonable motivator, as romantic as loyalty may seem.
This x 10\. It's sport. The carry on around here is like he's married your daughter, had kids then left asking for child support.
Assuming he's not over the hill, I'd welcome him back.