Its been in the pipeline for months, but James Segeyaro is finally about to become a Cronulla Shark.

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The Daily Telegraph’s David Riccio reports that the former Leeds and Penrith hooker has been told by the NRL that he can start training with the premiers, instantly diminishing the standard of touch footy being played across the Sutherland shire.

However, Segeyaro is unlikely to be part of the captain’s run on Saturday ahead of the local derby with St George-Illawarra, as he’s still ineligible to play.

His first official training session with the team – he’s frequently been spotted working out in the Sharks’ gym - is expected to be next week.

What does this mean for Jayden Brailey, who signed a two-year extension before making his first grade debut in round one?

The young rake was on fire during Cronulla’s win in Canberra, and Mick Ennis has huge wraps on him.

It’s understood Brailey has been told the nine jersey is his to lose but having Segeyaro as part of the squad will provide the competition for positions that’ll bring out the best in the Under 20s Player of the Year.

Also, with Daniel Mortimer out for two months with a knee injury, Nu Brown failing to fire and Manaia Cherrington still learning the system, adding Segeyaro to the squad will give coach Shane Flanagan options once Brailey needs a spell, which he inevitably will.