Viliame Kikau, a standout forward for the Vodafone Fiji Bati, is looking forward to a strong performance as they prepare to face Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls on Saturday night. At 29 years old, Kikau describes the physicality of their Melanesian rivals as overwhelming, stating that it feels like “a ton of bricks” coming at them throughout the match.
Kikau acknowledged that PNG is a formidable opponent and emphasized that this game will not be easy. He expressed hope that with the support of their local fans, the Bati will deliver an impressive performance on their home turf.
“It’s a big game with the PNG brothers; they are a physical team – they come out hard from the first minute to the end. It just feels like a ton of bricks running at you the whole 80 minutes,” Kikau said.
The player, who hails from Bau, Tailevu, did not participate in last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship in PNG, opting to concentrate on the upcoming 2024 NRL season with the Bulldogs. Throughout their training at Albert Park, Kikau has taken on a leadership role, providing guidance to his younger teammates.
Reflecting on his journey, Kikau recalled being a shy child during his early Bati games, and how he relied on the senior players for communication. He emphasized the importance of fostering confidence among the less experienced players in the squad, many of whom have limited NRL experience.
“We’re going to get ready and focus on this week’s game,” he said. The Bati squad includes promising young players like Jordan Miller, who is expected to make his debut, and Jethro Rinakama, both of whom are still finding their confidence in speaking up.
Kikau is committed to supporting these young athletes, hoping they will gain valuable experience from this training camp as they prepare for the important match ahead.