Fiji Sun

St Helens sign up Naiqama

- LEONE CABENATABU­A Edited by Grace Narayan

St Helens have boosted their already exciting backline by signing Vodafone Fijian Bati captain Kevin Naiqama from Wests Tigers on a three-year deal.

The 29-year-old utility back is primarily a centre but can play fullback and wing. He has scored 47 tries in 102 NRL appearance­s.

Naiqama will join Saints for the start of the 2019 season. Saints head Coach Justin Holbrook said: “Kevin is a great coup for the club and we’re really looking forward to having him on board next season. “He has a wealth of experience in the NRL and, as current captain of Fiji, will bring leadership to our side. He’s lightning quick too, with great hands, and can finish from all over the park.” Naiqama played his junior rugby for Arncliffe Scots before being signed by the St. George Illawarra Dragons. He then moved to Newcastle Knights, and played alongside his brother Wes, until he signed for Penrith Panthers in 2014.

In-between, he starred for Fiji in the 2013 Rugby League World Cup – a feat he repeated in 2017 as captain when he took his internatio­nal tally to 14 caps. Naiqama joined Wests Tigers in 2015 and has posted an impressive try scoring record of 31 tries in 79 matches for the club to date.

Naiqama stated: “I am really looking forward to getting over to St Helens for the next three years. I love the fact the club is family orientated and the fact they are successful. They are one of the top teams who are always competing and that is appealing to me.

“The thought of winning a Super League grand final or Challenge Cup would be unreal and I feel I can do that with the Saints and the squad they have.

“I have a lot to offer; I am a versatile player who can play on the left or right and I still feel I am learning too. I don’t feel I have reached the pinnacle of my football yet and St Helens can help me do that. I feel they can bring more football out of me defensivel­y and with the ball in hand.

“I feel I have made a great choice to join the club – now my focus is on this season with the Tigers. They have been a massive contributo­r to how I am as a player and I will be giving them my best as we look to reach the semis and beyond. Feedback: leonec@fijisun.com.fj

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