Why James Segeyaro will not play for PNG Kumuls again

Why James Segeyaro will not represent
Papua New Guinea again. Photo credit: AAP

THERE will be mixed emotions for James Segeyaro when he returns to Papua New Guinea for the first time since he sensationally quit the famous Kumuls.

Segeyaro couldn’t believe his luck when he pulled on the green and gold Prime Minister’s XIII jumper for the first time yesterday.

Those emotions were a complete contrast to what he felt just over 12 months ago when he returned home to bury his father, Iffysoe.

It was during his short stay Segeyaro learned local league officials had shown his father a lack of respect. Iffysoe played for the Kumuls, and was widely credited with starting up the schoolboy rugby league program.

Segeyaro was already thinking about quitting the Kumuls, and switching his allegiance to Australia so he could pursue his Queensland Origin dream. The treatment of his father made the ultimate decision simple.

“I’ve played for the Kumuls, but when I went back there for my father’s funeral (last year), I learned PNG rugby league didn’t treat my father with the utmost respect he deserved, and I wasn’t too happy about that,’’ Segeyaro told The Daily Telegraph.

“I made my decision to never play for the country again.

“You can ask anyone up there how important my father was to the rugby league community, and what he has done for the game and the people in general.

“I thought it was time to go our different ways, and fulfil my dream and goals of putting on the green and gold and the (Queensland) maroon.

“I’ve lived in Australia since I was a young fella, I owe this country a lot, especially the state of Queensland.’’

Segeyaro battled injuries like most of his Panthers teammates this year. Because of that, it’s fair to say the Penrith hooker lost touch with Sydney Roosters’ rake Jake Friend in the race to eventually replace Maroons’ superstar No. 9 Cameron Smith.

The PM’s XIII fixture against the Kumuls next Saturday night is always hugely anticipated by the locals. Segeyaro said it was a game the league lovers looked forward to all year, and for the players involved it was ‘’an eye opener and very humbling’’.

However, the Kumuls could be forced to field a weakened side, especially if the PNG Hunters win their preliminary final on Sunday and advance to the Queensland grand final next weekend.

Segeyaro is one of the most exciting attacking hookers in the game. He’ll be joined by Penrith teammates Reagan Campbell-Gillard and Jeremy Latimore, as well as new recruit and PM’s XIII skipper Trent Merrin.

Penrith’s Ivan Cleary will also coach the PM XIII’s side, whose captain was understood to have been rubberstamped this week by Tony Abbott’s office, just before he was speared by his successor Malcolm Turnbull.

“I never thought this day would come where I could pull on the green and gold. It’s such an honour,’’ Segeyaro said.

“It means you’re thereabouts for the Australian team. Hopefully I can put in a good performance and do my country proud.’’

Source: The Daily Telegraph