Kevin Naiqama Set to sign one year deal.

[ism22]

Robinson wasn't a bad player though but the 2 years in Rugby(2016/17) must have affected his form - 120 NRL games - 58 tries and 13 goals all up- 4 games for the Chooks for 1 try in 2018.

Yeah he got more tries than Hall in what... one game? I didn't actually see the serious issues that others did with him. Thought he coulda stuck around for the full season and given it a crack.

At the Faders he was a great player.

[ChookMaster]

Yeah he got more tries than Hall in what... one game? I didn't actually see the serious issues that others did with him. Thought he coulda stuck around for the full season and given it a crack.

At the Faders he was a great player.

He was out of his depth when he played for us. Just wasn’t up to it.

[SamKerrSimp]

Large Mike does too.

Remi Casty, Joe Burgess and Jordan Tansey too.

[ism22]

Remi Casty, Joe Burgess and Jordan Tansey too.

I've got Casty's signature if you want it. Met him and Jenko at the Waverley bowlo back in 2014 for a fan event.

[Cockadoodledoo]

He was out of his depth when he played for us. Just wasn’t up to it.

Massively. Robinson's greatest asset was pace and it was clear he had lost it. I went to a trial at Penrith Stadium in the pre-season and it was obvious that he had lost a lot of pace and I knew then he wasn't going to be up to it. With Naiqama it might end up the same way, however he would be on pretty close to minimum wage and we have to have guys like this on the books to keep Manu and all the other players in our roster. How people don't understand this, I will never know.

[Johnny73]

I do hope we're not going back to the Transit lounge days. How about some lazy fat Manly retirees while we're at it.

[Mickie Lane]

The super league sucks and naiqama will be 33 when the season starts this is a shit signing and before anyone mentions the Morris boys they were both still playing at a high level unlike Kevin who played for one of the worst teams in the NRL and then significantly dropped his standard of competition by going to England

Who knows how it will pan out.
I personally think Manu, Momirovski & a fully fit Billy Smith are better than him but he was sensational in the SL GF that you don't rate.
It wasn't you but someone posted that St Helens would not make the NRL but believe me they would they have won the comp for the last 3 years, they would be on par with Parramatta in the NRL.

[Davo]

Found this article from Nov 5th where Fiji coach confirms Naiqama signing with us....as we know, nothing official as yet.

Welcoming move: Rabele eyes Naiqama to lead side at RLWC

Vodafone Fiji Bati coach Jo Rabele said Kevin Naiqama’s move to sign on with the Sydney Roosters had fitted win well with his intent to have the veteran lead in the team to next year’s Rugby League World Cup in England.

“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 initially announced his retirement after leading St Helens Rugby League Club to the English Super League grand final win earlier this year.

“Now with the news of him continuing another year, I am happy especially with the intent in having him lead the Fiji Bati again to the Rugby League World Cup.”

Rabele said Naiqama’s experience and presence alone elevated other players in the team.

“He brings out the best in the team, and knows how to get the team working.

“I am looking forward to see him lead our boys again to next year’s world cup.”

Rabele added regardless of what the final choice would be for Naiqama he would always respect his decision.

[Davo]

Looks like Kevin Naiqama rumours have surfaced again as this was written today,



Kevin Naiqama’s new club revealed

Kevin Naiqama’s new club has been revealed after ending his three-year stay in the UK and St Helens.

The Fijian centre 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.

But, now Naiqama’s new club appears to have been leaked after Fiji head coach Jo Rabele conducted an interview with the Fiji Times on the 31-year-old’s impending decision to join the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.

“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 previously announced his retirement after helping Saints overcome Catalans in the 2021 Super League Grand Final win earlier this year, but has reneged on his decision.

“Now with the news of him continuing another year, I am happy especially with the intent in having him lead the Fiji Bati again to the Rugby League World Cup.”

[King Salvo]

Kevin Naiqama's Wikipedia has been changed from Wests Tigers 2022 to Sydney Roosters 2022 - Apparently he was to sign with Wests Tigers but Teflon Tim (Tim Sheens) canned it

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kevin_Naiqama

[Kelby]

Looks like Kevin Naiqama rumours have surfaced again as this was written today,



Kevin Naiqama’s new club revealed

Kevin Naiqama’s new club has been revealed after ending his three-year stay in the UK and St Helens.

The Fijian centre 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.

But, now Naiqama’s new club appears to have been leaked after Fiji head coach Jo Rabele conducted an interview with the Fiji Times on the 31-year-old’s impending decision to join the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.

“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 previously announced his retirement after helping Saints overcome Catalans in the 2021 Super League Grand Final win earlier this year, but has reneged on his decision.

“Now with the news of him continuing another year, I am happy especially with the intent in having him lead the Fiji Bati again to the Rugby League World Cup.”

I hope so.

Good depth player and a decent person. Will help young Vuate Karawalevu.

[QWERTY]

From the telegraph today:



A longstanding friendship between Kevin Naiqama and Trent Robinson has helped the Fijian outside back to secure a one-year deal with the Sydney Roosters.

While some players look to England for one big final payday in the twilight of their rugby league careers, Naiqama, 32, believes he still has plenty to offer in the NRL.

Roosters recruitment manager Daniel Anderson and coach Robinson agree.

After 90 games with the Wests Tigers, Naiqama made the switch to the Super League in 2019 where he won three straight titles with St Helens.

The Naiqama signing, which was revealed by The Daily Telegraph earlier this month, is viewed as an invaluable boost to Robinson’s top-30 roster which was decimated by injury in 2021.
Kevin Naiqama won three straight titles with St Helens. Picture: Gareth Copley/Getty Images
Robinson first met Naiqama as an assistant coach at Newcastle over 10 years ago. It’s believed Naiqama also received glowing reports from St Helens about his attitude on and off the field when Anderson, who coached the club between 2005-08, made inquiries about the former NRL star.

It’s understood the Tigers also showed keen interest in Naiqama.

Coach Michael Maguire’s centre stocks have taken a hit with Adam Doueihi and Tommy Talau both out with ACL injuries.

It has left the right centre spot up for grabs and Naiqama was considered an option. At this stage, young backAJ Kepaoa is the frontrunner to earn the spot in round one.

[Monaco's Fan Club]

I wonder if this means that Manu won’t be around in 2023…?

[ChookMaster]

I wonder if this means that Manu won’t be around in 2023…?

Why would this mean that? Naiqama has signed for the 1 year so for 2022.

[NorfolkStreetKid]

Great cover buy. great for our young guys. a top flight finisher.