The Kaiviti Silktails have announced a notable new partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, set to last for the next three years. Since their inception in 2020, the Silktails have competed in the Ron Massey Cup within the NSW Rugby League framework, and recently moved to the Jersey Flegg Cup, focusing on nurturing and developing Rugby League talent from Fiji.
In recent seasons, the Bulldogs have deepened their commitment to Fiji, particularly following the acquisition of Fiji Bati International Viliame Kikau. The establishment of ‘The Kikau Academy’ has allowed the Bulldogs’ teams in the Ron Massey Cup and Jersey Flegg to visit Fiji three times in the past year.
This new alliance aligns with the club’s strong presence of Fijian players participating in the upcoming 2025 Pacific Championships, including squad members Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama and Penioni Tagituimua, as well as Bulikula representatives Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Latisha Smythe and Nanise Vakacavu. The agreement also follows the Bulldogs’ announcement regarding the return of Fijian international Marcelo Montoya in 2025.
Phil Gould AM, the General Manager of Football, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting the chance for both teams to create a strong alliance that could accelerate the development of Fijian talent in the NRL. He stated, “This is a groundbreaking partnership that will be paramount in the development of Rugby League throughout Fiji.”
Mr. Gould further commented on the existing Fijian representation within the club, led by Kikau in the NRL and Smythe in the NRLW, and expressed optimism about the growth of this talent pathway in the coming years.
Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Peter Civoniceva praised the Bulldogs’ Pathways Program and anticipated the new collaboration. “Our club is so excited to be partnering with the Bulldogs, and there were just so many reasons why this deal made sense for us,” Civoniceva remarked. He noted the Bulldogs’ impressive performance in the NRL this year, which has captivated Rugby League fans, attributing much of this success to Gould and Adam Hartigan’s work with their Pathways Program.
Civoniceva also pointed out the significant Fijian ex-pat community situated in the Canterbury-Bankstown District in Sydney and acknowledged the Bulldogs’ active involvement in Fiji over the past two seasons. He remarked on the commitment shown by Gould and Hartigan during their meeting two weeks prior, which influenced the partnership decision.