Kevin Naiqama is to take up a deal in the NRL just months after almost retiring following the 2021 Super League Grand Final with two clubs fighting for his signature.
Naiqama’s close friendship with Trent Robinson helped coax the Fijian outside back into a one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters, despite major interest from former club Wests Tigers according to the Daily Telegraph.
The former Tigers star certainly made his mark at the Lancashire club, helping Saints to three Grand Final victories in a row as well as a Challenge Cup success in 2021.
Naiqama scored 33 tries in 65 appearances and also scooped up the Harry Sunderland Trophy for the role he played in helping Saints win the 2021 Grand Final, scoring two tries in a 12-10 victory over the Catalans Dragons.
Fiji head coach Jo Rabele had previously conducted an interview with the Fiji Times on the 31-year-old’s impending decision to join the Roosters.
“I thought it would have been a big loss to the nation, to have a player of his calibre hang up the boots,” Rabele said.
Naiqama will be hoping to keep a place in the Fiji squad for the 2022 World Cup.
Huddersfield Giants
“Do your job!” – Sky Sports pundits take aim at ‘selfish’ Jake Connor
Warrington Wolves
Sam Burgess makes decision on future following South Sydney links
Huddersfield Giants
Jake Connor takes swipe at Leeds Rhinos fans
