The Kaiviti Silktails have finalized a significant three-year partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Founded in 2020, the Silktails initially participated in the Ron Massey Cup under the NSWRL before moving to the Jersey Flegg Cup, with a focus on developing Rugby League talent from Fiji.
In recent seasons, the Bulldogs have deepened their engagement with the Fijian rugby community, particularly following the signing of Fiji Bati International Viliame Kikau. The establishment of “The Kikau Academy” has facilitated the Bulldogs’ Ron Massey Cup and Jersey Flegg teams to visit Fiji three times over the past year.
This new collaboration occurs as the Bulldogs prepare for the 2025 Pacific Championships, showcasing several Fijian representatives, including Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama, and Penioni Tagituimua, alongside members of the women’s team, Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Latisha Smythe, and Nanise Vakacavu. Additionally, the Bulldogs announced the return of Fijian international Marcelo Montoya for the 2025 season.
Phil Gould AM, General Manager of Football, expressed his excitement regarding this partnership, viewing it as an essential step in nurturing Fijian talent for 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 presence of Fijian athletes in the club, including Kikau in the NRL and Smythe in the NRLW, and aims to see this talent pathway flourish in the coming years.
Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Peter Civoniceva praised the Bulldogs’ Pathways Program and looked forward to the 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 impressive performance of the Bulldogs’ NRL team this year, which has resonated with Rugby League fans, and emphasized the importance of aligning with a robust program.
Civoniceva added that the significant Fijian ex-pat community in the Canterbury-Bankstown District, along with the Bulldogs’ active involvement in Fiji over the past two years, played a crucial role in the partnership. He mentioned the strong commitment shown by Gould and Adam Hartigan during their recent meeting, indicating a promising future for both clubs.