From a shy young boy to a standout player for the Vodafone Fiji Bati, forward Viliame Kikau expresses optimism about their performance this Saturday night. Kikau describes the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls as a tough opponent, comparing their physicality to running into a ton of bricks.
The 29-year-old acknowledges that facing the Kumuls is always a challenge, emphasizing that it won’t be an easy match. With the support of local fans, Kikau hopes the Bati will deliver an impressive performance.
“It’s a significant game against our PNG rivals; they are known for their physical style of play, coming hard from the first minute until the end,” Kikau remarked. “It feels like a ton of bricks are hitting you for the entire 80 minutes.”
Having missed last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship in PNG to focus on the upcoming 2024 NRL season with the Bulldogs, Kikau has taken on a leadership role during training sessions at Albert Park.
Reflecting on his earlier days, he recalled being a shy newcomer in the Bati, looking up to seasoned players for guidance and communication. “It’s essential for those new to the team to find their voice and gain confidence,” he noted.
With young talents like Jordan Miller, who is poised to make his debut, and Jethro Rinakama joining the squad, Kikau is keen on mentoring them. He pointed out that Fijian kids tend to be shy and need time to adjust to speaking up. “I’m here to support them, ensure they stay focused, and hopefully they take valuable lessons from this camp,” he said.
Kikau concluded by stating that the team is preparing diligently and concentrating on the upcoming match.