Wes a Dragon for two more years
By PAUL SUTTOR
July 15, 2005
ROOKIE winger Wes Naiqama yesterday followed his heart and agreed to remain a Dragon until the end of 2007.
The 22-year-old utility back has agreed to terms on a two-year contract in a welcome boost for eighth-placed St George Illawarra in the countdown to Sunday's crucial clash with Manly at Brookvale Oval.
A former Arncliffe Scots junior who had been earmarked as a first grader for many years before making his debut this season, Naiqama said he was thrilled to stay in the red and white.
"I've pretty much agreed to a two-year contract, I've just got to sign it some time in the next week," he said.
"I'm happy, really stoked to stay with the club, it's what I wanted. I told my manager from the start that I didn't want to go anywhere else."
Naiqama admitted his own form had been a touch down over the past few weeks but said contract negotiations had not played a part in his on-field performances.
"I've been happy with my form this year, but probably not the last two or three weeks. I don't know if it's just the week-to-week grind.
"I've just got to do what I normally do - all the little things that I've been doing before to the best of my ability."
Naiqama, who has scored five tries and booted 11 goals as a back-up kicker, has set his sights on a taste of finals football in his first NRL season.
"Hopefully we can make the finals and hopefully I can make a contribution," he said.
The Dragons hope to resolve prop Luke Bailey's one-year contract extension today, leaving Aaron Gorrell, Clint Greenshields, Michael Henderson, Shane Marteene, Bryan Norrie, Chris Sheppard, Aaron Wheatley and Nick Youngquest as their remaining free agents with first grade experience.
