MY NRL LESSON

150-GAME SEGEYARO: P40

IN THE space of 10 days in May, Ivanhoes junior James Segeyaro scored the matchwinner to upset premiers the Roosters in his Broncos debut, then got charged with lowrange drink driving popping out for a morning coffee.

Welcome to the highoctane world of Segeyaro A realm where there is no half-measures for a man whose decade-long tenure in the NRL has imparted life lessons that he hopes can help the Broncos in their battle to make the playoffs this season.

Segeyaro (right) bounces around Broncos training like a human pinball.

The man affectionately known as “Chicko” has brought some spark to Red Hill – and for all his zany eccentricity, Segeyaro is nobody’s fool.

His perspective sharpened by nine years in the NRL, it is fitting Segeyaro should play his 150th topgrade game tomorrow night against former club Penrith and Ivan Cleary, the Panthers coach who showed him compassion and tough love.

“Setbacks are the best lessons in life sometimes,” says Segeyaro, who played his best football under Cleary in 70 games for Penrith between 2013-16.

“I learnt a lot at Penrith. I learnt a lot about myself and what type of person I want to be and the type of person I don’t want to be.

“I also learned not to take things for granted, especially in this day and age of how quickly an NRL career can go and how much you have to work to be consistent, not only weekly but yearly in the NRL.”

Segeyaro was 22 years old and had played 33 NRL games at the Cowboys when he shifted to Penrith and met Cleary.

The Panthers coach helped Segeyaro become an international with Papua New Guinea.

“Ivan was one of my most influential coaches. It was the life experience he taught, the way he let the players coach themselves. He was the type of coach who would let you make a mistake, then ask why did you make the mistake.”

Segeyaro’s arrival at the Broncos on May 13 summed up his whirlwind nature.

“I owe a lot to the Broncos,” he says. “But I never thought about quitting.”

Segeyaro plays just his ninth game for the Broncos tomorrow but such has been his impact, Brisbane have begun talks on a new deal. If the price is right, the 28-year-old will happily sign for 2020.