Photo: Naikatini playing for Johnsonville in the 2018 Swindale Shield 

2018: Naikatini returned from a few seasons playing in France to join new club Johnsonville. 

2008 profile: Api ‘Nails' Naikatini has been one of the standout players in the Wellington Premier competition since he burst on to the club rugby scene in 2005, finishing third in the Billy Wallace Best and Fairest competition behind winner Jack Tarrant of the Wests Roosters.

An all-action, hugely skillful player equally at home at lock or blindside flanker, 22- year old Naikatini has already packed a lot into his short career, including winning the Swindale Shield title last year and playing in two Jubilee Cup finals, tasting defeat against Petone in 2005 and success against Poneke in 2006.

From Nadi in Fiji, Naikatini is the youngest of three rugby-playing brothers and came to New Zealand on a scholarship to Wanganui City College in 2003. One brother, IllIki, is a former Norths blindside flanker who now plays in Manawatu. In 2002 IllIki Naikatini was part of a lethal loose forward trio comprising former Norths stars Laki Vitale and Tui Meavao.

Last year Api was a member of the Wellington U21 team, earned a New Zealand Colts trial and was a Vodafone Wellington Lions Apprentice player.
Previously he made the Fiji Schools team. This week he made his Lions debut against Wairarapa-Bush, scoring a try and having a busy game in a 49-0 victory.

Outside of rugby, Naikatini likes volleyball and soccer, names Any Given Sunday as his favourite movie and Fijian food as his favourite meal.

With Naikatini at the forefront of Norths' pack, there's every reason for more silverware at Porirua Park this year.