Viliame Kikau, a prominent player for the Vodafone Fiji Bati, expresses optimism about their performance in the upcoming game on Saturday night. The forward described the Papua New Guinea Kumuls as a formidable opponent, comparing their physicality to that of a ton of bricks.
At 29 years old, Kikau recognizes the Kumuls as a tough rival and emphasizes that they will not find the match easy. He hopes that the support from local fans will inspire the Bati to deliver an impressive performance on home soil.
“It’s a significant game against the PNG brothers; they are a physically aggressive team that plays hard from start to finish,” Kikau stated. He added, “It feels like you’re being hit by a ton of bricks for the entire 80 minutes.”
Having missed last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship in PNG to prepare for the 2024 NRL season with the Bulldogs, Kikau has taken on a leadership role among the Bati players during training sessions at Albert Park.
Reflecting on his early days with the Bati, Kikau recalled being a shy newcomer who relied on experienced players for guidance and communication. “Many of the younger players have limited NRL experience, so it’s essential to foster their confidence through communication and support,” he explained.
The Bati squad features promising young talent, such as Jordan Miller and Jethro Rinakama, with Miller likely to make his debut on Saturday. Kikau noted that Fijian youths tend to be quite reserved, requiring time to develop comfort in expressing themselves.
“I’m here to assist them, ensuring they stay on track and hopefully gain valuable experience from this camp,” he stated. “We are preparing to focus on this week’s game.”