Wests Tigers are pleased to announce that Kevin Naiqama has today signed a two-year contract extension with the Club.

Naiqama 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 on the wing in all six matches this year, with the new contract securing the talented winger through until the end of the 2017 season.

Naiqama has scored 18 tries in 29 NRL games since making his debut in Round 26 of the 2010 season for the Newcastle Knights.

“I’m really excited to secure a deal with Wests Tigers long-term,” Naiqama said.

“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 Club 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.”

Head 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.”

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.”

Don’t miss watching Wests Tigers in action in their first Leichhardt Oval game of 2015 this Sunday! Get your tickets by clicking here and help pack the hill on the day!

Player Profile: Kevin Naiqama

Born — 04/02/1989, Sutherland, NSW

Junior Club — Arncliffe Scots

Position — Wing/Centre/Fullback

Height — 179cm

Weight — 93kg

FG Debut — Newcastle v Melbourne, AAMI Park, 05/09/2010

Club Debut — Wests Tigers v Gold Coast Titans, Cbus Super Stadium, 07/03/2015

Rep Honours — 8 Tests for Fiji (2009, ’13-14), World Cup (2013)