The Kaiviti Silktails have finalized a significant three-year partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Founded in 2020, the Silktails initially joined the Ron Massey Cup within the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and have since moved up to the Jersey Flegg Cup, focusing on scouting and nurturing Rugby League talent from Fiji.
In recent years, the Bulldogs have enhanced their dedication to rugby in Fiji, particularly following the acquisition of Fiji Bati International player Viliame Kikau. Through the establishment of ‘The Kikau Academy,’ the Bulldogs’ Ron Massey Cup and Jersey Flegg teams have made three trips to Fiji in the past year.
This new collaboration aligns with the Bulldogs’ strong representation of Fijian players during the 2025 Pacific Championships. The squad includes members of the Bati team such as Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama, and Penioni Tagituimua, as well as four players from the Bulikula team: Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Latisha Smythe, and Nanise Vakacavu. The announcement also comes after the Bulldogs revealed the return of Fijian international Marcelo Montoya in 2025.
Phil Gould AM, General Manager of Football, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the potential for both clubs to cultivate a stronger connection that promotes the growth of Fijian talent in the NRL. “This is a groundbreaking partnership that will be vital for the development of Rugby League in Fiji,” said Mr. Gould.
He highlighted the existing presence of Fijian players at the club, notably Viliame Kikau in the NRL and Latisha Smythe in the NRLW, and expressed eagerness for the pathway to flourish in the coming years.
Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Peter Civoniceva praised the Bulldogs’ Pathways Program and is eager to commence the new affiliation. “Our club is thrilled to partner with the Bulldogs; there were numerous reasons why this deal was advantageous for us,” said Civoniceva.
He added that the Bulldogs’ NRL team’s recent success captivated Rugby League fans. He acknowledged the valuable work done by Phil Gould and Adam Hartigan with the Pathways Program, stating that aligning with a strong initiative was crucial for their club. Civoniceva also noted that the Canterbury-Bankstown District in Sydney has the largest Fijian expatriate community and commended the Bulldogs’ commitment to Fiji over the past two seasons, reflecting on a productive meeting two weeks ago with Gould and Hartigan.
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