Kevin Naiqama came to the Wests Tigers looking for an opportunity to establish himself as a first grade NRL player, but he has been so impressive on the wing for six weeks the club has swooped to keep him for an extra two years.
A few minutes ago the Wests Tigers announced that Naiqama had today signed a two-year contract extension.
The winger/centre was a key recruit leading into the 2015 season, originally inking a one-year deal following his departure from the Penrith Panthers.
The 26-year-old has since played in all six matches this year, and his unusual hairstyle hasn’t been the only thing that caught the eye of fans.
Naiqama has been strong both in defence, especially in the air, as well as in attack in all six games of the 2015 NRL season.
The new contract means he will be at the Wests Tigers securing at least until the end of the 2017 season.
Naiqama has scored 18 tries in 29 NRL games since making his debut for the Newcastle Knights in Round 26 of the 2010 season.
“I’m really excited to secure a deal with Wests Tigers long-term,” Naiqama said after putting pen to paper earlier today.
“I was only here on a one-year deal previously because I came to the club looking for an opportunity.
“I have just put my head down during the pre-season and it’s great to be recognised for that hard work.
“Obviously I just want to continue performing well this season and I’m stoked to get contract negotiations out of the way early.”
Naiqama settled in quickly since joining the Tigers last November and excelled during trial matches and the NRL Auckland Nines tournament.
“The boys made it really easy fitting in here at the club,” Naiqama said.
“At first it was really daunting because I didn’t know anyone but within the space of two weeks I knew who everyone was and I was made to feel very welcome.
“I’m really happy where I am at the moment; I’m enjoying my football and the coaching staff have been really good to me as well.”
Coach Jason Taylor said the re-signing of Naiqama is great news for the club.
“I’m really excited to have Kev commit to the club for a longer period,” Taylor said.
“He has been great for us this season.
“His pre-season was an absolute stand-out; the way he trained day after day it was clear that he was really committed.
“Kev is a great guy to have around the club, he just turns up and he does everything to the best of his ability every single day.
“That’s the standard that we want everyone to set at Wests Tigers and he has been a real leader in that regard,” Taylor said.
The new contract is a boost leading into Naiqama’s first game at Leichhardt Oval in Wests Tigers colours this Sunday, coming up against the Canberra Raiders.
“The boys have been talking about how special Leichhardt Oval is,” he said.
“Running out there in front of a home crowd will be great experience.
“I’m looking forward to seeing our fans turn up and fill that hill.”
Kevin Naiqama profile:
Born: 04/02/1989, Sutherland, NSW
Junior Club: Arncliffe Scots
Position: Wing/Centre/Fullback
Height: 179cm Weight: 93kg
Debut: Newcastle v Melbourne, AAMI Park, 05/09/2010
Wests Tigers debut: v Gold Coast Titans, Cbus Super Stadium, 07/03/2015
Rep Honours: 8 Tests for Fiji (2009, ’13-14), World Cup (2013)
