Ex-Leeds Rhinos star James Segeyaro makes surprise switch

Former Leeds Rhinos star James Segeyaro made a surprise switch at the weekend.

The livewire hooker, who made ten appearances for the Leeds Rhinos back in 2016, was free to return to the NRL in June 2021 following 16 months out of rugby league.

In that time since his ban lifted, Segeyaro had been training with the Cronulla Sharks with whom he made 38 appearances for back in 2017 and 2018.

Segeyaro, 31, was banned after testing positive for a prohibited substance from using a housemate’s blender.

The hooker was then able to convince the NRL’s Anti-Doping Tribunal that the banned substance entered his system inadvertently, so his drugs ban was cut short.

He had previously been pictured training with his coach, Gurpreet Singh who, coincidentally, is also the Canterbury Bulldogs’ Head of Performance in its Pathways section.

Singh is also a strength and power coach and an athletic performance coach, so Segeyaro was in good hands which explains why he was able to land a deal with Manly Sea Eagles’ feeder team.

However, Segeyaro played halfback for Blacktown – Manly Sea Eagles’ feeder team’ on Saturday and enjoyed a stellar game.

The former Dally M Hooker of the Year assisted a try along with one linebreak as well as 143 running metres.