Viliame Kikau, a prominent player for the Vodafone Fiji Bati, is enthusiastic about their upcoming match on Saturday night. The forward compares the toughness of their opponents, the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls, to facing a wall of bricks.
At 29 years old, Kikau acknowledges that the Kumuls have always been strong competitors, emphasizing that the game will be intense and challenging. He expressed hope that, with the support of their home crowd, the Bati will deliver an exciting performance for their fans.
“This game against the PNG brothers is significant; they are a tough team that plays hard from the start until the finish,” Kikau stated. “It feels like a ton of bricks hitting you for the full 80 minutes.”
Kikau, originally from Bau in Tailevu, skipped last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship in PNG to prepare for the 2024 NRL season with his club, the Bulldogs. He has taken on a leadership role during training sessions at Albert Park.
He reflected on his early days with the Bati, recalling how he was once a shy newcomer who relied on the senior players for guidance and communication.
“Many of the younger players have limited NRL experience, so my role is to support them, boost their confidence, and help them communicate,” he noted. “I believe this will assist them in the upcoming game.”
The Bati roster features young talents such as Jordan Miller, who is expected to make his debut, and Jethro Rinakama. While they show potential, Kikau pointed out their reserved nature.
“Fijian kids tend to be shy, and it can take time for them to feel comfortable expressing themselves,” he said. “I’m here to guide them, keep them focused, and hopefully, they will take valuable lessons from this camp.”
As the team prepares for the weekend’s game, Kikau is concentrated and motivated.