Shark eyes PNG expansion
James Segeyaro (above) would consider being one of the first players to sign for a Papua New Guinean club side if they are admitted to the NRL. New ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie has put expansion back on the table, with any new teams most likely to be added in 2022 at the conclusion of the current TV rights deal. Beattie said last month that he was in talks with Cairns Regional Council about a possible team coming from the region, which would form an unprecedented joint bid with PNG.
JAMES Segeyaro would consider being one of the first players to sign for a Papua New Guinean club side if they are admitted to the NRL.
New ARL Commission chairman Peter Beattie has put expansion firmly back on the table, with any new teams most likely to be added in 2022 at the conclusion of the current TV rights deal.
Beattie said last month that he was in talks with Cairns Regional Council about a possible team coming from the region, which would form an unprecedented joint bid with PNG.
Segeyaro, who would be 31 if a PNG team was admitted in 2022, has plans of returning to the country after his NRL career to continue his late father’s work in community rugby league.
But, if an NRL team was admitted, the Cronulla bench hooker says he would consider moving back earlier to play.
“I wouldn’t rule it out at all,” the Ivanhoes junior said.
“I’ve played for my country and I would love anything to do with helping the country.
“If you’re from PNG, playing for the Kumuls is one of the biggest honours you could have … So I would love to do my part for the country as it is.”
Segeyaro is a proponent of NRL expansion into his homeland, but said sustained success from Queensland Cup premiers the PNG Hunters was a crucial first component. The Hunters have played in each of the past three finals series.
“I don’t think any other country would get behind an NRL team as much as Papua New Guinea. It’s a national sport,” Segeyaro said.