JAMES Segeyaro described the honour of becoming a fully-fledged Australian as “one of the biggest days of my life’’.

And the only two things that could top that would be Penrith winning an NRL title, or eventually replacing Cameron Smith in the Kangaroos’ No. 9 jumper — two things he’s backing himself to achieve.

As his fellow NRL players trained, attended Australia Day barbecues or tuned into Triple J’s Hottest 100 Segeyaro, the poster boy for Papua New Guinea rugby league, was one of a select few to receive his citizenship from the Governor General, Sir Peter Cosgrove.

Segeyaro had already switched his rugby league allegiance to Queensland and the Kangaroos a couple of years ago, but knowing he was officially a local made it extra special.

Round 19

Having already pulled on the green and gold in the Prime Minister’s XIII last year, Segeyaro, 25, would love to one day play for the Kangaroos and wear Smith’s No. 9 jumper.

Smith turns 33 this year, and talk of his Maroons and Aussie successor’s retirement will start to gather momentum.

“Cam is a freak, he doesn’t get injured, he actually gets better each year,’’ Segeyaro said.

“I see Jake Friend as my biggest competition (for the Queensland jumper), he’s a remarkable player, and already been in the Maroons squad. It’s a matter of me really wanting it, and if Penrith are playing well, it only helps push your own claims.’’

Speaking of the Panthers, Segeyaro said he couldn’t recall a tougher or more satisfying pre-season. He said he shed a tear after he completed an army camp before Christmas, and likened the elation to “winning the (qualifying) final in 2014’’.

Penrith's James Segeyaro has received his Australian citizenship. Pic Chris Pavlich Source: News Limited

“We’ve turned into a brotherhood, there’s that feeling there, we’ve gone through a lot of punishment for each other,’’ Segeyaro said.

“Last year was a bad year for me because of injuries, just niggling injuries, and from that you start to get a lack of confidence.

“I’m looking for a big 2016. It’s one of the first times I’ve had a full pre-season, and you don’t realise how important that is until you haven’t had one (like last year).’’

The Panthers will unveil their skipper this morning, with Segeyaro hopeful Peter Wallace retains the gig. Trent Merrin would be another contender.

“I’d love to see Peter still there, he’s a leader on and off the field, and one of those blokes you really want to play along side and never let down,’’ Segeyaro said.

“I have a massive respect for him, ad when he talks everyone stops to listen.’’