Search

show me:

Broncos sweat on Segeyaro re-signing

3 minute read

Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold admits the jury is out on whether veteran hooker James Segeyaro re-signs with the NRL club after dangling a two-year deal.

JAMES SEGEYARO
JAMES SEGEYARO Picture: Racing and Sports

From barista to Bronco, James Segeyaro has come a long way in three months.

However, Brisbane coach Anthony Seibold admits he is uncertain whether Segeyaro will add another chapter to his comeback tale and take up a two-year contract extension offered by the NRL club.

Segeyaro, 28, will run out for his 150th NRL game when eighth-placed Broncos look to keep their finals hopes alive with a victory over Penrith in Friday night's Suncorp Stadium clash.

It caps a remarkable return for the former PNG international.

Segeyaro was this year working at a Sydney cafe while playing for Cronulla's feeder club Newtown after being cut amid the Sharks' salary cap constraints.

Then Brisbane threw a lifeline in May, signing Segeyaro as a back-up hooker after Andrew McCullough broke down with a knee injury.

McCullough may now be fully fit, but Seibold doesn't want Segeyaro going anywhere.

"He's done a tremendous job since he has come to our club," he said.

"He has added energy, he's added enthusiasm and he's added another experienced player in our team.

"It's great credit and reward for him to play his 150th game because earlier this year he was a barista and playing for Newtown so it's a great story - we are proud of him."

However, Seibold admitted he was not sure whether Segeyaro would remain in Brisbane after the veteran's Sydney clothing company co-owned by St George Illawarra star Corey Norman and ex-Penrith player and Kiwi international Isaac John enjoyed success.

"We made him an offer for the next two years. We'd like him to stay but we also understand he has a business in Sydney, a thriving business with Isaac John and Corey Norman," he said.

"So he has links and ties down there. But he's been really enjoying his time here."

Segeyaro finally notches NRL game No.150 after stints at North Queensland, Penrith and Cronulla, via English Super League club Leeds, since his 2011 debut.

Seibold believed the veteran still had plenty to offer.

"We'd like to keep him because we have so many good young exciting players coming through so another experienced guy would really help us," he said.

"We've expressed how important he is for our group. But that's his decision to make."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au