The Kaiviti Silktails have entered into a significant three-year partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Founded in 2020, the Silktails began their journey in the Ron Massey Cup and have advanced to compete in the Jersey Flegg Cup, focusing on nurturing rugby league talent from Fiji.
In recent seasons, the Bulldogs have deepened their ties with Fiji, notably after signing Fijian international Viliame Kikau. The establishment of ‘The Kikau Academy’ has seen the Bulldogs’ teams participate in three matches in Fiji within the past year.
The new collaboration aligns with the Bulldogs’ representation of Fijian players in the upcoming 2025 Pacific Championships, which includes Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama, and Penioni Tagituimua, alongside Bulikula players Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Latisha Smythe, and Nanise Vakacavu. Additionally, the Bulldogs have announced the return of Fijian international Marcelo Montoya in 2025.
Phil Gould AM, General Manager of Football, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the potential for both clubs to work together in advancing Fijian talent to the NRL. “This is a groundbreaking partnership that will be paramount in the development of Rugby League throughout Fiji,” Gould stated. He highlighted the existing strong representation of Fijians at the club and expressed hope for the growth of this pathway in the coming years.
Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Peter Civoniceva praised the Bulldogs’ Pathways Program, expressing excitement about 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,” he commented. Civoniceva noted the Bulldogs’ impressive NRL performance and their commitment to developing Fiji’s rugby league landscape, especially given the significant Fijian community in the Canterbury-Bankstown District of Sydney.