PNG rugby league loses former Kumul star Iffy Segeyaro

 FORMER Papua New Guinea Kumul and father of Penrith Panthers  star James Segeyaro, died last Friday in Port Moresby.
Iffysoe Segeyaro, pictured, from Mohuveto (No.1) village in Bena, Eastern Highlands, represented the country from 1982 to 1983.
The five-eighth or centre, was touted as one of the most gifted players to don a Kumul jumper.
He was bestowed the challenge of marking Australian Kangaroo great Wally Lewis in a Test match in Goroka. Segeyaro contributed back to the game he loved with his involvement in developing the schoolboys pathway in its early stages. 
Segeyaro, owned Negiso Wholesale and Distributors, which had offices in Lae, Goroka and Port Moresby.Son James and other family members were at his bed side at Port Moresby General Hospital at the time of his passing at 9.30pm on Friday, after being admitted on Wednesday.
Segeyaro is survived by wife Margaret and children Billy, Zeena, Damarish, Nazmie, Gabriella, James,  Cooper and Mere.  
In a mark of respect for Segeyaro, PNG Hunters staff and players wore black arm-bands and observed a minutes silence in the dressing room before their Round 25 Queensland Cup match against the Souths Logan Magpies yesterday in Brisbane. 
A minutes silence was observed at the Port Moresby Rugby League matches at the Ipi Park yesterday as well. POMRFL board chairman, James Naipao said Segeyaro had the game at heart and spoke of nothing else. “Schoolboys league was a part of his life. He was larger than life, but cool and humble which is why I admired him a lot,” Naipao said. 
Nephew Iffysoe Kafare said the haus krai was at the residence of Unggai-Bena MP Benny Allan at Hibiscus St., Hohola.
He said the funeral would be on Wednesday  and on Thursday the body would be flown to Goroka.
Kafare said for details the following people could be contacted: Solomon Resis on 73917842, Raymond Salala Kafale on 76198383 or himself on 70246505.