Naiqama's unsung sibling generates chorus of approval
BY ROBERT DILLON
HE started the pre-season in a queue behind names like James McManus, Akuila Uate, Cooper Vuna, Shannon McDonnell and Keith Lulia.
But after scoring a hat-trick of tries in 19 minutes in Saturday night's 66-10 romp against Melbourne at St John Oval, young flyer Kevin Naiqama has emerged as a potential bolter for an NRL debut.
Naiqama, the 21-year-old younger brother of Knights utility Wes, came on in the 25th minute of Saturday's trial when Junior Sau was injured, prompting coach Rick Stone to reshuffle his backline.
A minute later, the 85-kilogram ball of muscle leapt high to catch a Jarrod Mullen chip and score with his first touch of the Steeden.
In the first minute of the third quarter, Melbourne coughed up possession and Naiqama toed it through to grab his second try of the night.
Three minutes later, he made it a hat-trick when Wes drew the last defender and sent his younger sibling over in the left corner.
Having scored 16 tries in 20 games last year in Newcastle's under-20s including five in the last round against Penrith and a hat-trick against premiers Melbourne Naiqama has displayed a knack for getting across the white stripe.
Given that McManus is sidelined indefinitely with a broken bone in his foot, Vuna suffered a corked calf on Saturday night and McDonnell is likely to be playing fullback in the absence of injured skipper Kurt Gidley, Naiqama's chance could come sooner than expected.
Stone gave him a glowing appraisal after his display against Melbourne, saying he had "no doubt that Kevvy is a genuine NRL contender".
"He looked great," Stone said.
"He did some really, really good things. He scored a couple of tries and put himself in position with his anticipation.
"Overall he had a really good game and there's no doubt his improvement continues to not surprise, but impress everyone.
"Tonight obviously he showed plenty, and we might get a chance to have another look at him next week."
Naiqama said it was "a real honour" to play first grade, especially lining up outside his elder brother on Newcastle's right edge.
The Naiqamas became only the fourth set of brothers after Andrew and Matthew Johns, Kurt and Matt Gidley and Adam, Ben and Luke MacDougall to play alongside each other in Newcastle's top team.
"It was unfortunate for Junior to get injured, but it gave me an opportunity to play some more minutes and I just wanted to put my best foot forward," Naiqama said.
"It was a good moment getting to play with Wes. It's something we've been looking forward to, playing first grade for Newcastle, and tonight we finally got the chance and just wanted to make the most of it."
Naiqama remained realistic about his spot in the pecking order.
"If Jimmy is injured, I'm sure Cooper and Aku will be there but I'll just keep knocking on the door and hopefully get a chance or two," he said.
KNIGHTS 66 (A Uate 3, K Naiqama 3, K Lulia 2, D Tolar, E Tuimavave, C Vuna, B Fruean tries; S Dureau 5, G Ndaira 3, P Mata'utia goals) STORM 10 (B Leslie, F Makimare tries; D O'Regan goal) at St John Oval, Charlestown. Crowd: approx 2000.
Herald
