Kevin Naiqama joins Sydney Roosters for 2022 season

Tom Naghten

Kevin Naiqama joins Sydney Roosters for 2022 season image

Veteran winger Kevin Naiqama has joined the Roosters for the 2022 season.

The Fiji international heads to Bondi Junction after a three-year stint at Super League side St Helens.

Naiqama has previously played for Newcastle, Penrith and Wests Tigers in the NRL.

The experienced Naiqama, who will be 33 by the time the season starts, will add depth the Tricolours' outside back stocks.

With the retirements of Brett and Josh Morris and Dale Copley, as well as the departure of Matt Ikavulu, Trent Robinson was left with limited options across his backline.

Daniel Tupou has a lock on the left wing position, Joseph Manu is assured a place, most likely at right centre, leaving the likes of Naiqama, Joseph Suaalii, Paul Momirovski, Billy Smith and Adam Keighran to fight it out for the remaining two outside back positions.

Naiqama certainly has the edge in experience, counting three consecutive Super League titles - including a Man of the Match award in the 2021 grand final - on his resume.

He's also captained his country since 2016 and will bring plenty of the leadership qualities to a team which has lost Boyd Cordner, Jake Friend, the Morris brothers and Isaac Liu in recent times.

Tom Naghten

Tom Naghten Photo

Tom Naghten is a senior editor at The Sporting News Australia where he's been part of the team since 2017. He predominantly covers boxing and MMA. In his spare time, he likes to watch Robbie Ahmat's goal against the Kangaroos at the SCG in 2000.