Why Kevin Naiqama left St Helens and how Huddersfield Giants boss Ian Watson managed to bring him back to Super League

Last night, Huddersfield Giants revealed that Kevin Naiqama was set to return to Super League with the West Yorkshire club on a two-year deal.

The former St Helens star won three Grand Finals in a row as well as a Challenge Cup whilst at the Totally Wicked Stadium in his three-year stay in Super League.

But, Naiqama left Saints because of homesickness and wanting to return to family Australia, yet Huddersfield boss Ian Watson has revealed just how easy it was to lure the Fijian back.

“It’s something that cropped up I was discussing a few things in Australia and they made us aware of the opportunity might be there,” Watson said.

“We discussed it with his agent and he told Kev and it piqued his interest – it appealed to Kevin. He wanted to get back to playing again and it’s been going on just over a month.

“It’s one of those ones that a player like that becomes available and he spoke highly of what Huddersfield have been doing in the past 12 months.”

Watson also revealed that one of the questions was focused on Naiqama’s previous homesickness.

“It was one of the questions we spoke about as he had a lot to give when he went home. He went back home for family reasons and obviously going to the Roosters it has piqued his interest. He is always in condition physically and mentally. You know he is a champion performer.

“We’ve needed those type of characters this year and Kev will be able to assist us further. He will be able to add to us. It is a huge signing and it is a really positive one in the future.”

With people putting two and two together, Ricky Leutele’s future was said to be under a cloud, but Watson wants as much strength in depth as possible in the backline.

“I spoke with Ricky yesterday saying the Kev deal is done and that he is definitely coming but it is no way a replacement for Ricky.

“He has a contract offer, the club have sent an offer again. This is it now and we need to know now what we are doing and where it is going.

“Hopefully Ricky sees the potential of what we are doing and he wants to stay here but we need to get on with it as it is dragging.”