Fijian International prop Junior Roqica has been given a chance to potentially resurrect his NRL career after signing a one year deal with the Newcastle Knights.
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The Australian-born journeyman has linked with the club on a part-time contract after playing last season with the London Broncos.
The 26-year-old forward made his NRL debut for the Cronulla Sharks in 2014 against South Sydney after stints in the lower grades with both Wests Tigers and Canterbury but managed just six top grade appearances and spent most of his time playing for Newtown in the NSW Cup competition.
Knights head of football Darren Mooney played down the signing, suggesting Roqica has come to Newcastle looking for an opportunity after returning from the Broncos.
“It’s only a part-time deal for Junior at this stage and he has already picked up work in Newcastle,” Mooney said.
“He’s a big boy and gives us a little bit of depth and cover in the front-row should we need it.”
Born in Camperdown, Roqica went to school at Holy Cross Ryde and played his junior football with Concord.
He was part of the 2008 Australian Schoolboys side that included former Knights centre Peter Mata’utia and Kangaroos prop Aaron Woods and the likes of Ryan James, Marty Taupau, Jamal Idris, Will Hopoate and Albert Kelly.
He has played eight Internationals for Fiji and featured during the recently completed World Cup.
