FNQRL Gold Medal: King James Crowned

A two-week holiday in Cairns over Christmas was enough to seal a return to Far North Queensland for former NRL and PNG international Segeyaro.

Segeyaro brought his 202 games of NRL and Super League experience to the Far North this season, joining the Knights to spearhead their assault on the premiership.

The Ivanhoe livewire returned to his junior club this year after an extensive NRL and English Super League career with clubs such as the Penrith Panthers, Cronulla Sharks, and the Brisbane Broncos.

He brought every trick he had learned along the way, probing opposition defences for weaknesses to exploit.

Explosive in defence, ‘Chicko’ was on every opposition coach’s watch list and he capped off a stellar season with the league’s most prestigious individual honour.

FNQRL Gold Medal: Every nominee

See the full list of Far North superstars nominated for the Gold Medal below.

Whyatt Barnes (Ivanhoe Knights)

The Ivanhoe Knights’ metre-eater continued to demonstrate immense value with reliability Toyota would envy. Equally adept in the middle of the field as on the edges, Barnes hurts opponents whether he is carrying the ball or tackling someone who has it.

Jordan Biondi-Odo (Cairns Brothers)

The Brothers’ talisman has brilliantly led the team to this year’s minor premiership. His experience and guile have allowed his team to flourish, thanks to his strong kicking game and precise pass selection, maintaining the side’s dominant form.

Sam Cramp (Cairns Brothers)

Cramp was outstanding this season, playing a key role in helping the Brothers secure the minor premiership. His ability to break through defensive lines and score tries was matched by his solid defence. He was a formidable opponent on the edge, ensuring a long day for his opposing number each time he took the field.

Ashton Galea (Innisfail Leprechauns)

A strong performer in 2023, Galea built on his impressive season with another strong year at fullback for the Leprechauns. With footwork Fred Astaire would admire, Galea often had defenders clutching at air, setting up his team’s sets positively.

Keishon Hunter-Flanders (Yarrabah Seahawks)

With the ability to play multiple positions, Hunter-Flanders proved his value each week before finding his place in the centres. When he wasn’t scoring tries, he was setting them up for his teammates.

Amaziah Murgha (Yarrabah Seahawks)

The son of FNQ legend Hezron, Amaziah is quickly establishing himself as a player to watch for the future. Blessed with speed and anticipation, the slippery custodian made an immediate impact in his debut year for the Seahawks.

James Segeyaro (Ivanhoe Knights)

The Ivanhoe livewire returned to his junior club this year after an extensive NRL and English Super League career. He brought every trick he learned along the way, probing opposition defences for weaknesses to exploit. Explosive in defence, ‘Chicko’ was on every opposition coach’s ‘watch list.’

Feao Tongia (Tully Tigers)

The Tongan torpedo was a handful for opposition defences, with his bustling runs matched by his solid defence and high work rate. Tongia led his team from the front, making the opposition wary both defensively and in attack.

Gabriel Tunimakubu (Mareeba Gladiators)

The friendly Fijian with a dazzling smile off the field becomes a fierce destroyer on it, taking carry after carry and skittling defenders like nine-pins. ‘Gabe’ was a major factor in Mareeba’s late-season resurgence after his Northern Pride commitments earlier in the year.

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Noel Underwood (Mossman-Port Douglas Sharks)

The wily veteran has aged like a fine wine. Underwood has been the glue binding the Mossman club in recent years, and his form this season was as impressive as ever. A hard carry, a soft pass, or a bone-crunching tackle, Underwood has an arsenal of tricks to inspire his team.

gyan-reece.rocha@news.com.au

Originally published as FNQRL Gold Medal: King James Crowned