James Segeyaro has long been known as one of rugby league’s biggest livewires, so does the hooker deserve a shot in a Maroon jersey?
Coming through the Toyota Cup system at South Sydney, Segeyaro has featured at North Queensland, Penrith and Cronulla over the last eight years, as well as a short lived stint in the English Super League with the Leeds Rhinos.
His first-grade career hasn’t been without accolades either, picking up the Dally M
Hooker of the Year back in 2014, as well as captaining his country, Papua New Guinea.
But in recent years, with the likes of Cameron Smith and Robbie Farah, State of Origin appeared built for organised, game controlling hookers, a description far from fitting the playing style of Segeyaro.
However, Brad Fittler’s decision to select Damien Cook as an 80-minute hooker has cleared the way for James Segeyaro to rise up and snatch a maiden Maroons jersey.
Cook has been electric for New South Wales, his astute running game opening up the middle third for the Blues and keeping the Queensland markers on their toes, while Andrew McCullough hasn’t offered up a running game this series.
While Cameron Smith has never been a running hooker, he picked his times to dart from dummy-half, and rarely made an error. McCullough has been more than admirable this series, but lacks the killer instinct of his predecessor.
While Segeyaro has been coming off the bench for Cronulla, he has proven in the past that he can last the full 80 when asked too.
Not only could ‘Chicko’s' inclusion finally get Queensland’s middle third rolling, he could nullify the impact Damien Cook has on the match, and keep the Blues’ props on high alert at all times.
While it would be harsh to McCullough, Game III can’t be viewed as a dead rubber by the Maroons. It’s a chance to inject new blood, try new combinations, anything they can to boost their chances of regaining the shield in 2019.
Is James Segeyaro the new blood they need? Only one way to find out.
