James Segeyaro appears to have played last game for Panthers; links with Super League side Leeds
JAMES Segeyaro appears to have played his last game for Penrith after telling teammates he expects to join Super League strugglers Leeds as early as this week.
Segeyaro is understood to have broken the overseas transfer news to several players during a field session on Monday on a cool, windy afternoon at the foot of the mountains.
The Leeds deal is expected to include the remainder of this season and 2017.
Unwanted at Penrith beyond this season, fan favourite Segeyaro had held out hope he would remain in the NRL, and even sounded out at least one rival club.
But Leeds, who have been in the market for a top-quality hooker, were able to secure Segeyaro’s prized signature.
The move will quickly end talk of Robbie Farah leaving the Wests Tigers with a year remaining on his contract and joining Leeds on a big-money deal.
Segeyaro would not comment about the Leeds deal when contacted by The Daily Telegraph on Monday night.
James Segeyaro looks to have played his last game for the Panthers.Leeds boss Gary Hetherington said the club “have quite a number of irons in the fire’’, but would not comment on Segeyaro.
“There’s been a lot of speculation about a number of players, we’re aware of the speculation, but anything and everything we do is done in confidence,’’ Hetherington told The Daily Telegraph.
“We are in the market and interested to talk to (overseas) players available and keen to join us. We’re looking at our options.’’
There were big hopes for Segeyaro at the start of the season, with new Penrith coach Anthony Griffin keen to use him as an 80-minute player.
But a broken arm in round one, then the rise and rise of veteran makeshift dummy-half Peter Wallace, made it difficult for Segeyaro to regain his place in the starting side.
While the infamous photo of Segeyaro dining with housemate and Eels’ star Corey Norman, as well as former Parramatta prop Junior Paulo with a handful of colourful characters, was not the reason for his NRL exile, it did not help his hopes of returning to first grade.
James Segeyaro watching Penrith reserve grade at Leichhardt Oval after being dropped from first grade.Segeyaro was supposed to play for Penrith in last Saturday’s reserve grade, but was a late withdrawal. There was no issues with his fitness as he was able to take part in Monday’s field session. There was some suggestion today’s field session will be his last.
Meanwhile, Chris Grevsmuhl is said to have an extra spring in his step this week as he prepares to face South Sydney and Michael Maguire, the coach he sensationally labelled a “mind-game specialist’’.
Teammate Dallin Watene-Zelezniak said Grevsmuhl appeared extra upbeat ahead of the Friday night blockbuster at Pepper Stadium.
“I don’t think he has any people he hates there, so he’ll be up for this game and ready for it, and he looked like he might kill it,’’ Watene-Zelezniak said.
“He came in pumped today, so I’m expecting a big game for him. It will be awesome.’’
Replies
As i said he's off to leeds, he was offered a 50k for the rest of the year deal from the broncos, knocked it back and informed them he was off to leeds for a 400k deal.
shame snake , think his wasted talent and still has plenty to offer the nrl ..
I think there might be a bit of an attitude problem there reading between the lines. Agree very good player on his day, a bit injury prone but he had a real purple patch there a few years ago, don't think we ever really saw the best of him.
Another great advertisement for choosing friends wisely. So many get unstuck due to the company they keep. What a fall this bloke's had.
He had one good year last season and ur all thinking he's the same player as he was then. He can't even get a decent Contract from rival NRL clubs no one wants him except u fools.
If u had a clue in ya heads I would realise that Mitch Rein is the best hooker available