If the Penrith Panthers are to make a run deep into the NRL finals, in-form hooker James Segeyaro will be key to their chances – not that he will admit it.

For the second straight week the dynamic No.9 was arguably the side’s best in their 16-4 win over St George Illawarra at WIN Stadium on Sunday.

In a team missing four playmakers, Segeyaro provided some much-needed spark and stood up when his side needed it most.

Without Peter Wallace (knee), Tyrone Peachey (pectoral), Bryce Cartwright (ankle) and Issac John (Achilles), Segeyaro played the perfect foil to Jamie Soward and youngster Will Smith.

He had a hand in two of the side’s three tries against the Dragons – scoring to put the Panthers in front before putting Adam Docker through a hole close to the line early in the second half.

He was also tireless in defence in yet another 80 minute performance.

After starting the year behind Kevin Kingston and playing off the bench, Segeyaro has cemented himself as one of the competition’s top No.9s.

He deflected praise onto his teammates, saying his was playing well because the likes of Soward, Matt Moylan and Josh Mansour were doing their jobs.

When asked about representative aspirations he said: “There are plenty of hookers out there. I’m just happy to play well for the Penny Panthers.”

The Panthers stayed in third with the win over the Dragons.

Segeyaro, 24, will come up against his former side, the Cowboys, next Monday in a match which will have a big bearing on the make up of the top four.

Penrith coach Ivan Cleary said Segeyaro had blossomed as a player since being burdened with being the side’s sole hooker.

“He’s just gone from strength to strength,” Cleary said.

“He’s having a terrific season, he’s really learnt how to pick his times and I think playing 80 minutes has allowed him to do that, whereas when he came off the bench he tried to roll 80 minutes into 30 sometimes.

“He’s definitely matured a lot as a player.”