Fiji Bati player Viliame Kikau has been honored with the Dr. George Peponis Medal as the Bulldogs’ 2024 NRL Player of the Year. The 30-year-old played a pivotal role in guiding the club back to the finals after a six-year absence.
Kikau delivered one of his most impressive seasons in the NRL, participating in 22 matches where he scored four tries and assisted another four. He also completed 41 offloads and broke through the defensive line 10 times.
Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata praised Kikau’s achievement as well-deserved. “Kikau is Kikau. He has been doing it from day one and continues to shine,” Kativerata remarked. “He is a great player, composed but fierce when he has the ball.”
Kikau made his international debut for Fiji in 2015 against Papua New Guinea during the Melanesian Cup, contributing to a 22-10 victory. He later debuted in the NRL with the Penrith Panthers in 2017 against the Wests Tigers, scoring a try in a 36-2 win.
Kativerata noted the surprising success of the Bulldogs this season, stating that not many expected them to reach the finals or for Kikau to earn this award. Currently, Kikau is under a four-year contract worth $3.2 million with the Bulldogs, celebrating his 150th game milestone in a match where the Bulldogs defeated the Dragons 28-10.
In related news, Kativerata is set to announce a solid squad with a mix of seasoned players and newcomers for the Pacific Nations Challenge. He is in discussions with players like Mark Nawaqanitawase and young talent James Valevatu, aiming to include young forwards to help develop their skills.
Additionally, the squad may feature Wests Tigers’ 19-year-old prop Jordan Miller, Dolphin’s Michael Waqa, and promising forward Kylan Mafoa. Kativerata confirmed the pairing of Kurt Donohue and Joe Lovodua in the halves, showcasing a versatile team with strong attacking options.
Four local players, including comeback story Keresi Maya, are expected to be included in the expanded squad. Others likely to be selected are Taane Milne, Waqa Blake, and Semi Valemei, who may form the center pairing.