Fiji Bati and Canterbury Bankstown Bulldogs star Viliame Kikau is optimistic about the potential for players from the Kaiviti Silktails to debut in the NRL soon. Kikau emphasized the importance of the evolving partnership between the Bulldogs and the Silktails, highlighted by two consecutive victories in the Jersey Flegg Cup.
Reflecting on his own journey in the sport, Kikau expressed his gratitude for the opportunities he has received and his desire to extend similar chances to young talent in Fiji. “We have a lot of young talent back home. It’s good to see the growth, and working with the Silktails is cool. Hopefully, it’s just going to get bigger and better,” he stated.
Kikau, who was scouted while playing for the Fijian Schoolboys rugby union team, subsequently moved to North Queensland and made his NRL debut with the Panthers in 2017. His contributions extend beyond the field, as he has established the Kikau Academy to further aid Fijian players in their development. With strong support from Bulldogs General Manager Phil Gould, the partnership between the Bulldogs and the Silktails aims to cultivate more Fijian talent for the NRL.
Gould noted the significance of this collaboration, emphasizing it as a crucial step in advancing Rugby League in Fiji. The partnership not only expands the talent pipeline but also aligns with the Bulldogs’ commitment to fielding a robust representation of Fijian players in upcoming competitions, including the 2025 Pacific Championships.
This collaboration signals a bright future for Fijian rugby league, with the potential for increased representation and success, benefiting both the local sporting community and the NRL.
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