Wednesday 27 August 2014 11:58, UK
London Broncos have continued their recruitment drive with the signing of Fiji World Cup centre Wes Naiqama.
The Broncos are busily preparing for life in the Championship and Naiqama becomes their latest and most high-profile recruit after joining from Penrith Panthers on a two-year deal.
He made four appearances for Fiji in the 2013 World Cup, including the semi-final against Australia, and will add some experience to the squad for next season.
London coach Joey Grima said: "Over the last four to five weeks I've been doing my due diligence on Wes and I've spoken to some high profile people in theworld of rugby league, including players from Penrith, and they all have a huge amount of respect for Wes.
"He's holds a senior player role and was part of the Fiji leadership team.
"I'm really pleased that the environment and the culture that we're creating at the club is attracting good players from Super League, the Championships and the NRL. I'm proud that people are buying into what we're doing."
Naiqama has played over 120 games in the NRL for St George Illawarra, Newcastle and the Panthers and has won 13 caps for Fiji since making his international debut in 2006.
I'm very happy with my decision to sign with the club. It was always a goal of mine from early in my career to some stage play in the UK at some stage.
The 31-year-old becomes the Broncos' eighth new face for 2015 and takes Grima's squad so far to 19.
"I'm very happy with my decision to sign with the club,” he said. “It was always a goal of mine from early in my career to some stage play in the UK at some stage.
"Thanks to Joey I've been given this opportunity and I can't wait to get over, meet my new coach, staff, team-mates and supporters and start preparing for exciting times ahead.
"I got to chat to Joey and his enthusiasm and energy is definitely infectious. He has a great vision for the club going forward and I'm very excited about being a part of the culture and development he is creating there.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of helping London win promotion. It's unfortunate the club got relegated this year, but I feel the current squad will be better for the experience and will be hungrier than ever for it."
