The Kaiviti Silktails have forged a significant three-year partnership with Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, marking a pivotal development for both organizations. Founded in 2020, the Silktails initially participated in the Ron Massey Cup before shifting to the Jersey Flegg Cup, focusing on discovering and nurturing Rugby League talent from Fiji.
In recent seasons, the Bulldogs have intensified their involvement in Fijian Rugby, especially following the recruitment of Fiji Bati International Viliame Kikau. The establishment of ‘The Kikau Academy’ has enabled the Bulldogs’ Ron Massey Cup and Jersey Flegg teams to visit Fiji three times over the past year.
This partnership arrives as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2025 Pacific Championships, featuring a robust lineup of Fijian players, including Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama, and Penioni Tagituimua, along with members of the Bulikula squad, such as Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Latisha Smythe, and Nanise Vakacavu. Additionally, the Bulldogs recently announced the return of Fijian international Marcelo Montoya for 2025.
Phil Gould, General Manager of Football, expressed excitement about the collaboration, highlighting the potential of this partnership to expedite the development of Fijian talent within the NRL. “This groundbreaking partnership is crucial for advancing Rugby League in Fiji,” Gould stated. He emphasized the importance of the existing Fijian talent at the club, including stars like Viliame Kikau and Latisha Smythe, and their aim to enhance this pathway in the coming years.
Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Peter Civoniceva shared his enthusiasm for the partnership, praising the Bulldogs’ Pathways Program. “We are thrilled to partner with the Bulldogs for numerous reasons,” Civoniceva remarked. He noted the Bulldogs’ impressive NRL performance in recent years and how the program led by Gould and Hartigan aimed to align with a well-structured development initiative. Civoniceva also mentioned the sizable Fijian expatriate community in the Canterbury-Bankstown District and acknowledged the Bulldogs’ active engagement in Fiji over the last two seasons.
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