Shane Flanagan sheds light on potential Segeyaro signing

Sharks coach Shane Flanagan has poured cold water on rumours hooker James Segeyaro has signed for the club.

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.

“If he does do that, we’d be interested to talk to him, but it’s all just speculation at the moment. If he can get out of that we’ll have a chat to him. I’m quite comfortable with all the players we have.

“We’re going to miss Michael Ennis, but it’s exciting as well.

“He’d be a good addition. We expected and our plan was for Michael to play another year – that was a bit of a shock.

“We have got a plan in place but it was a bit of a shock and our recruitment strategy went out the window.

“James would be a good addition for us and he’d fill a hole, but I’m not sure where that’s going to end up.”

The premiership winning coach said the hooking role will most likely be split between a few players.

“Manaia’s probably not an 80 minute player, Nu Brown’s definitely not an 80 minute player, then young Jayden Brailey hasn’t even played first grade yet,” he said.

“We can throw Morts in there, (Daniel) Mortimer’s doing a really good job at training.

“It’ll probably be a dual role between those four players.”