Segeyaro to lead

JAMES Segeyaro will fulfill a dream of his when he captains the PNG LNG Kumuls in Saturday’s Pacific test against Fiji in Sydney.
The 27-year-old had mentioned his willingness to lead the side last year in an interview in Sydney in the lead-up to the Kumuls team selections.
Kumuls coach Michael Marum named Segeyaro, who represented the country at last year’s Rugby League World Cup, as captain but the dynamic Cronulla Sharks hooker will have a core group of players, including Ase Boas, Rod Griffin, Rhyse Martin and Luke Page, who will help him guide the side at Campbelltown Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Segeyaro has Kumul pedigree with late father Ifisoe Segeyaro a five-eighth who played two tests for PNG in 1982.
The Eastern Highlander made his test debut as Kumul No.282 in the World Cup against Wales in Port Moresby last year. He went on to play the next three games including their quarterfinal loss to England in Melbourne.
“It’s James’ second year representing his country and he has really settled into being a Kumul,” Marum said from their Campbelltown hotel yesterday.
“He has been outstanding for Cronulla in their recent games, and has become one of the leaders at his club.
“I’m sure he’ll go out there and lead his country well and, with his dad Ifisoe being a former Kumul (No.70), this will mean a lot to him, Marum said.
Segeyaro was overwhelmed with the honour.
“It’s a massive honour to be named captain, especially being a second generation Kumul. It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve achieved so far in my career,” Segeyaro said.
“Representing my country and my people is an honour. It’s a privilege to put on the Kumul jersey for any game, so to be captain is overwhelming.”
“I would like to thank Michael (Marum), the other coaching staff and my family for their support over the years that has helped me reach this stage.
“I’d also like to thank the people of PNG, especially the ones who stuck by me and always supported me whether I made the right decisions or not,” he said.
The PNG LNG Kumuls play Fiji Bati in the first of the Pacific test double header at 4pm on Saturday at Campbelltown Stadium.