Offered the chance to miss his side’s big win over Parramatta, Penrith hooker James Segeyaro instead turned in a display of brilliance as he honoured the memory of close friend Alex Elisala.

Up and coming North Queensland hooker Elisala, 20, died on Monday, cutting short a budding career before it had the chance to really begin.

His death was felt across the NRL but especially at Centrebet Stadium, where Segeyaro dedicated his two-try effort in the 44-12 win to his former teammate.

Segeyaro and Elisala developed a close bond during their time together at the Cowboys, and it was clear as he pointed to the sky after both his tries that his friend was foremost in his thoughts.

The Panthers hooker was too upset to talk to media after the game, coach Ivan Cleary admitting he didn’t know on Monday morning whether his clever No.9 would take on the Eels.

“We had a chat this morning and I wasn’t sure what he was going to do today,” Cleary said.

“There is no playbook for that sort of stuff but he figured that the right thing to do was play and honour his great mate.

“They were pretty close.

“I thought he played really well but the hard part now is the myriad of emotions that are going to go through his head in the next few days.”