Far North league product vows to appeal ban

BRENT READ

FORMER Brisbane and Cronulla hooker James Segeyaro has told the NRL he is ready to front an anti-doping tribunal and fight a four-year ban as his legal team prepares to turn the heat on Sports Integrity Australia and the

NRL.

Almost 10 months after he underwent a random drug test, the Ivanhoe Knights junior finally received a notice from the NRL this week informing him of his suspension and presenting him with the opportunity to front a tribunal to argue his case for a reduction in the ban.

His lawyer Tim Fuller has made no secret of his anger with SIA – the umbrella organisation that has now taken over the duties of the Australian Sports Anti-Doping Agency – and documented the source of his frustrations in an email to News Corp.

“We have had Indigenous players reach out to James Segeyaro on a regular basis and they have expressed their concern with the time this has taken and (his) wellbeing,” Fuller wrote.

“Does anyone seriously think the Australian captain would be put through a process like this? James does not have the same standing in the game as a leading player – but he deserves the right to be treated fairly and compassionately. We need to provide additional support to our Indigenous athletes – not ostracise them in situations of duress such as this.”

Segeyaro returned a positive test to ligandrol, the same substance that was found in the system of swimmer Shayna Jack.

Segeyaro has told ASADA that the substance entered his system when he used the blender of a former housemate. It is understood the housemate has provided sworn statements verifying Segeyaro’s version of events.

Fuller has indicated they will put the focus on the Broncos over the role they played in finding accommodation for Segeyaro when he joined the club. It is understood Brisbane strenuously deny they put Segeyaro in a vulnerable position. The NRL integrity unit has also reviewed the circumstances and are believed to be comfortable with the Broncos’ handling of the situation.

“We have indicated to the NRL that James Segeyaro intends to appear before a league anti-doping tribunal,” Fuller wrote.