James Segeyaro

“I was very proud to be a second generation Kumul and do it on the World Cup stage in front of a home crowd and get our first win over Wales.

The son of late former Kumul, Iffisoe Segeyaro made another thing clear, saying he is not here looking for popularity.

“If I do my country proud, then I do my country proud. At the end of the day, it’s about what I can do for the team and that’s what I’m focused on.

“I’m here to do my part for the team and do the best I can. There was a glimpse of that on the weekend but there are still a lot of things to improve on.”

“Seeing we’ve got plenty options in the hooking role from how the Hunters went this season, I’m just really pleased and excited to be back and part of this team.

“No disrespect to the previous teams, but I think this one of the best PNG teams selected,” said Segeyaro.

Segeyaro added he has settled well into camp and the team is raring to go.

In response to the backlash from many Papua New Guineans over his decision to never play for the Kumuls again, the 27 year old from Eastern Highlands and East New Britain said everyone has a right to an opinion.

Segeyaro is at this stage set to miss six weeks of NRL action.

Having previously broken the same arm, the injury is a setback from Segeyaro who has been impressive off the bench in his three outings in 2017, including scoring the only try in last week's win over Melbourne.

The 27-year-old was formally welcomed to the team in a brief on-field meeting on Wednesday, marking his maiden appearance at top-grade training since brokering a release from Leeds.

His contract is still pending finalisation from the NRL, however given he hasn't played a game since the end of last season he could still do so through reserve grade for Newtown.

That appeared more likely after Wednesday's training session, where coach Shane Flanagan kept current No.9 Jayden Brailey in the chief hooking role.

After being granted permission to officially train with the club late last week, Segeyaro has been provided with a release from UK Super League club the Leeds Rhinos and once his new contract has been registered by the NRL will be eligible to turn out for the Sharks.

Segeyaro is said to be looking for an NRL return, but is still contracted to Super League side Leeds.

With veteran Michael Ennis announcing his shock retirement last year, Flanagan says he still hasn’t decided on a replacement, but wouldn’t rule out making a play for former Cowboys and Panthers rake Segeyaro.

“We have spoken to James but we believe he’s got a contract in place with Leeds, so he’s got to deal with that before he does anything with our club,” Flanagan told Sky Sports Radio.

Controversial Goroka market to be built: Soso

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/controversial-goroka-market-be-built-soso-49032

The controversial Goroka Market will be rebuilt early next year, says Eastern Highlands Governor Julie Soso.

PNG starts to experience wet season

Leeds are breathing easier after finding a ready-made replacement for runaway PNG international Segeyaro, snapping up Parcell.

Segeyaro was expected back at Leeds pre-season training in January but told the club he would not return from Australia and see out the final two years of his UK contract.

However, Leeds chief executive Gary Hetherington said they would still require a hefty transfer fee from NRL clubs for Segeyaro - a situation he did not expect to change for the next two years.

The 26-year-old made a big impact at the Rhinos after joining them, initially on loan, from NRL club Penrith in July, helping them win nine of their last 10 matches of the season to comfortably retain their Super League status.