Broncos coach Anthony Seibold has admitted that there is uncertainty surrounding the future of James Segeyaro, while a two-year extension has reportedly been offered by Brisbane.
The 28-year-old will play his 150th NRL game this weekend, with the Broncos desperate to keep their finals hopes alive with a victory over Penrith on Friday night at Suncorp Stadium.
The milestone caps off what is an incredible comeback story for Segeyaro, who was working as a barista in Sydney earlier this year whilst playing for Cronulla feeder club Newtown, having been cut by the Sharks following salary restrictions.
The PNG international was soon thrown a lifeline by the Broncos, with the NRL club signing Segeyaro as a second-string hooker following Andrew McCullough's knee injury.
McCullough is currently working through recovery to return to the field, but Seibold is keen to hold onto Segeyaro for the near future.
“He’s done a tremendous job since he has come to our club,” Seibold told Fox Sports.
“He has added energy, he’s added enthusiasm and he’s added another experienced player in our team.
“It’s great credit and reward for him to play his 150th game because earlier this year he was a barista and playing for Newtown so it’s a great story - we are proud of him.”
In a shock twist, Seibold revealed there are doubts surrounding the veteran's interest to remain in Brisbane, as his clothing company co-owned by St George Illawarra's Corey Newman and ex-Penrith player Isaac John has received recent success.
“We made him an offer for the next two years. We’d like him to stay but we also understand he has a business in Sydney, a thriving business with Isaac John and Corey Norman,” Seibold said.
“So he has links and ties down there. But he’s been really enjoying his time here.”
Segeyaro brings up his 150th NRL match after plying his trade at North Queensland, Penrith and Cronulla since his debut in 2011, with Seibold strongly firming he has plenty more to offer.
“We’d like to keep him because we have so many good young exciting players coming through so another experienced guy would really help us,” he said.
“We’ve expressed how important he is for our group. But that’s his decision to make.”