Cronulla signing James Segeyaro has declared himself ready to return to the NRL this weekend but admits it will take some time to regain top form.
Officially signed to the Sharks this week, Segeyaro could play his first game in over ten months after being included in a 21-man squad for Saturday's clash with Parramatta.
The former Dally M Hooker of the Year could instead find his feet with feeder club Newtown in reserve grade, but has put his hand up for an immediate return to the top 17.
"I've been ready to go since January. Anywhere I need to be for the club, I'm definitely going to put my hand up," Segeyaro told the club website.
"I've had a four-month spell from contact so the body's ready to go. I've just been doing fitness on the side but it's totally different from running to playing. A lot of players will tell you that."
Segeyaro said his return to action this weekend would show how far he is away from his best.
"I'd like to get a gauge of what I am when I play this weekend, what I need to work on. I need to get more game time. I just want to get through the game," he said.
"Like (coach Shane Flanagan) said during the week, you won't see the best of me straight away. It's going to take time. I've got to be patient and wait for my opportunities."
The 26-year-old admitted he was left frustrated by the Sharks' contract standoff with Leeds, but was thankful of finally getting clearance to sign with the reigning premiers.
He is likely to play alongside rookie Jayden Brailey in a tandem hooking combination.
"For me to come into a side like this, a premiership-winning team, it's something that people don't normally get blessed with," he said.
"It makes my job a lot easier having the experience of that coming through the team. All I need to do now is be more of a sponge, soak up all the information and stuff I need to play my best.
"It's an exciting time for myself to learn more and be the best player I can be."
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