James Segeyaro tipped for NRL return by former Australia star

Papua New Guinea international James Segeyaro has been tipped for a return back to the NRL. 

Former Australia star Luke Lewis believes that the hooker could make his return to the top grade in the near-future.

In 2021, Segeyaro was backdated a 20-month suspension by the NRL Anti-Doping Tribunal.

He returned to the game in 2022, signing with New South Wales Cup side Blacktown Workers, feeder to Manly Sea Eagles.

Segeyaro began his career at North Queensland Cowboys in the NRL. He has also represented Penrith Panthers, Leeds Rhinos, Cronulla Sharks and Brisbane Broncos.

Speaking on an episode of The Short Side, reviewing the New South Wales Cup, Lewis praised his former Cronulla team-mate. The former forward enjoyed more than 300 career appearances in the NRL. He won 16 caps for Australia and also represented New South Wales 17 times.

He played alongside Segeyaro during seasons 2017 and 2018 for the Sharks.

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James Segeyaro tipped for NRL return by Lewis

“My little mate has come out there and he’s played a great game in his first game (for Blacktown Workers),” said Lewis.

“James Segeyaro looks super dangerous out of dummy-half, his running game created a couple of half breaks. I think he’s really staking his claim to get back into that first-grade squad.

“Manly, they haven’t got a whole lot of depth in that number nine jersey. So, if an injury was to come there, we could see him up to first-grade. Keep a close eye on James Segeyaro.”

The 31-year-old featured from the bench in his first game against Canterbury Bulldogs’ feeder side. Their side included the likes of Jake Averillo, Jayden Okunbor and Kyle Flanagan, who kicked five goals for a 30-0 victory.

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