As a premiership winner, a veteran winger and a Fijian international, there is not much left for Kevin Naiqama to achieve in his rugby league career as he embarks on his journey with the Huddersfield Giants.
Naiqama, now a veteran winger in the sport, has previously played for the Newcastle Knights, the Penrith Panthers, the Wests Tigers, the Sydney Roosters and St Helens.
It was during his time at St Helens that he won three league titles and the Giants, who have signed him for two seasons, are hopeful he can bring that winning pedigree to their side.
“I think he’s a huge signing for us,” said Giants coach Ian Watson.
“You look at his performances when he’s played for St Helens and when he’s been playing for the Roosters this year, he always competes and plays well.
“The big thing for me is Kevin as a person, there are many things he can add to this group like educating our younger players, imparting that experience and teaching them how to do things the right way. Kevin always does things the right way.”
Watson also praised Naiqama’s approach to the game, the way he holds himself and the way he trains.
“Everyone you speak to has a high opinion of him; the way he trains, the way he looks after himself, his mentality and the way he goes into games,” Watson continued.
“That’ll be a big lift for us to get to where we want to be – challenging for Challenge Cup Finals and Grand Finals.
“He loves to play Rugby and he’s a great guy who’ll add to our environment. He wants to enjoy the last few years of his career; influence a side and we just want him to be Kevin: to be himself.”
Watching Ian Watson from afar during his time at St Helens, Naiqama always admired the way that he had his sides play and with the chance to join a Watson-led side, it was too good for him to pass up.
“There’s a couple of factors; Ian Watson, the coach that he is and the ability he has and the team that the Giants are building,” said Naiqama
“When I was playing at St Helens, it felt like we were playing ourselves when we played teams coached by Ian Watson in terms of the style and in playing the long game.”
Naiqama is excited to be joining the Giants and looks forward to his time at the club from next season.
“It’s really exciting to be joining the Giants: Huddersfield have come up this year more than any other year,” Naiqama continued.
“There’s no surprise to that with Ian Watson and the group of players that are there, they’re building something really special, and I hope to be a valuable part of it.”
