Former NRL star Kevin Naiqama has played his last game for St Helens in the Super League, signing off with a best afield performance in his sides Grand Final win over Catalans.
Following the result, the Fijian flyer hinted at retirement, citing a desire to return to Australia due to “factors outside of rugby”.
While the Grand Final may have been his last game in the UK, the 32-year-old said he would “explore” an NRL return if a club was interested, and Joel Caine and Bryan Fletcher discussed whether he could find a home in Australian first-grade next season.
Speaking on SEN 1170 Drive, the duo were convinced Naiqama still has what it takes to make an impact in the NRL.
Fletcher: “He (Naiqama) hasn’t ruled out coming back to an NRL club, has he?”
Caine: “I think it’s game on, yeah. So, where would he suit? Which club would Kevin Naiqama suit?”
Fletcher: “Him on the wing is a bit like Brian To’o, in the sense that he gets those sets rolling forward.
“He’s quite strong, you need that these days, he’s not the tallest winger, but he’s still very good out of dummy-half.”
“What about going back to Justin Holbrook (with the Gold Coast Titans)?”
Caine: “That’s a cheeky play.”
Fletcher: “There’s already a connection there, and Anthony Don is gone.”
Naiqama played 113 NRL games between 2010 and 2018 before making the move over to the UK.
He leaves St Helens having won three Super League titles in three seasons at the club.