Huddersfield Giants sign Kevin Naiqama for 2023

Josh McAllister
Kevin Naiqama Fiji PA

Kevin Naiqama in action for Fiji

Huddersfield Giants have announced the signing of centre and Fiji captain Kevin Naiqama on a two-year deal from the 2023 season.

The three-time Super League champion will make the move from the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.

Naiqama, 33, returned Down Under ahead of the 2022 season under Trent Robinson. He has made just five appearances this season, scoring twice.

The Fijian international has made a total of 118 appearances in the NRL. 

He won the Harry Sunderland trophy in the 2021 Super League Grand Final as St Helens defeated Catalans at Old Trafford.

Kevin Naiqama looking forward to working under Watson

Naiqama said: “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. 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.

“When he was at Salford, he took them to the Grand Final and the following year took them to a Challenge Cup Final. He did a great job. He’s doing a great job at Huddersfield taking them to a Challenge Cup final. There’s an exciting journey ahead for Huddersfield Giants.

“I’m hoping to add value to the team and set up the success that we’re hoping to achieve.

“It’s really exciting to be joining the Giants. Huddersfield have come up this year more than any other year.

“There’s no surprise to that with Ian Watson and the group of players that are there, they’re building something really special. I hope to be a valuable part of it.”

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