Fijian Kevin Naiqama supports Semi Radradra’s decision to pledge his allegiance to Australia

KEVIN Naiqama has told The Saturday Telegraph there was no way he could be angry with Semi Radradra for pledging his allegiance to Australia.

Wests Tigers star Kevin Naiqama pictured at Campbelltown stadium

KEVIN Naiqama still remembers playing for Fiji alongside Semi Radradra at the last World Cup — when the Semi Trailer was a rampaging forward, not a winger.

Naiqama and his fellow Fijians were dealt a huge blow this week when one of the country’s most exciting sporting exports pledged his allegiance to Australia.

Radradra could have done wonders for the tiny Pacific island at next year’s World Cup.

Instead, he hopes to terrorise them wearing a Kangaroos’ jumper.

Naiqama told The Saturday Telegraph there was no way he could be angry with Radradra, and was delighted he had backed himself to win a spot in the Aussie squad.

Before he became a cult hero on the wing for Parramatta, Radradra was forced to play in the forwards for Fiji upfront at the 2013 World Cup.

“Nobody knew him back then. He’d only played a few first grade games, we had Marika Koroibete on (one) wing, so it was really hard for him to crack into the squad,’’ Naiqama said.

“He ended up playing second-row for us, coming off the bench. He was a real powerhouse and really hard to tackle. I remember him against the Samoans. Since that World Cup he’s gone from strength to strength.

Semi Radradra has pledged his allegiance to Australia.

“I’m really happy for Semi. Knowing where he came from and where he is now, it’s such a big achievement.

“I’m happy for any Fijian who makes it in rugby league. When I was starting out I remember watching Lote Tuqiri, Petero (Civoniceva) and my brother (Wes Naiqama). When you look back at it and see how many Fijians are playing now, those guys paved the way and gave us hope there is a chance for Fijians to make it.

“If Semi wants to play for Australia, we’ll barrack for him. He’s one of the best wingers in the world, and if he gets his chance to play for Australia, I’ll wish him all the best.’’

Like Radradra, Naiqama has enjoyed his own blazing start to the NRL season at right centre for the Wests Tigers.

Naiqama and winger David Nofoaluma have formed one of the best defensive pairings in the competition.

Cronulla will no doubt look elsewhere this evening when they try to score points against the Tigers at Campbelltown Sports Stadium.

Kevin Naiqama at Campbelltown Stadium.

Naiqama was a winger by trade, but answered an SOS from Tigers coach Jason Taylor last season to shift one in off the wing. Taylor approached Naiqama at Brisbane airport after a Broncos game, and told him he had faith he’d handle the move.

It’s been a masterstroke as the 27-year-old with the coolest hair in rugby league has excelled this season.

A week after he racked up a hat-trick of tries on the Gold Coast, Naiqama more than matched it with Parramatta’s high-profile pair Radradra and Michael Jennings.

Naiqama joined Radradra and several other players from the Eels and Tigers for a prayer after last Monday’s clash. The Tigers’ centre led a similar mass prayer after Fiji’s clash against Papua New Guinea last year.

Naiqama said you can expect another moment of reflection in the middle of Campbelltown after the fulltime siren on Saturday night, with the Sharks’ Jayson Bukuya, Sam Tagataese and Joseph Paulo all believers. Naiqama even attended Bukuya’s house every Thursday for prayer.

Tigers fans will be praying to the football gods that Naiqama and the Tigers can bounce back from two losses against the Sharks.

Originally published as Fijian Kevin Naiqama supports Semi Radradra’s decision to pledge his allegiance to Australia