NRL allowed James Segeyaro to make Broncos debut as an unregistered player

The NRL allowed hooker James Segeyaro to play for the Brisbane Broncos and score the match-winning try against the Roosters in round 10 as an unregistered player.

The Roosters aren’t taking action over the decision. Image: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

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The NRL allowed hooker James Segeyaro to play for the Brisbane Broncos and score the match-winning try against the Roosters in round 10 as an unregistered player.

The Sunday Telegraph can reveal Segeyaro’s former club Newtown Jets had not signed the clearance form that is required before a player is registered at another club.

Acting on behalf of the Jets, the NSW Rugby League sent a “please explain” to the NRL last week.

The Sydney Roosters were beaten 15-10 by the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium but have decided against lodging an official complaint.

Still, it is hard to believe that in a billion dollar sport a player can take the field under these circumstances.

The Roosters aren’t taking action over the decision. Image: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Segeyaro joined the Broncos in the days leading up to the game and scored in the second-half to inspire the Broncos’ upset victory.

“The clearance request came through over the weekend on an email after the game,” Jets chief executive Stuart McCarthy said.

“Officially he was unregistered.

“However, it was great to see him get an opportunity in the NRL with the Broncos and we wish him well.”

The decision to allow him to play was made by NRL salary cap auditors who had seen Segeyaro’s contract and other paperwork but not the clearance.

Similar incidents in NSWRL competitions have resulted in the forfeiting of competition points.

Originally published as NRL allowed James Segeyaro to make Broncos debut as an unregistered player