Fiji Bati player Viliame Kikau has been honored with the prestigious Dr. George Peponis Medal as the Bulldogs’ 2024 NRL Player of the Year. The 30-year-old forward played a crucial role in the club’s return to finals football after a six-year absence.
During the season, Kikau delivered one of his best performances in the NRL, playing in 22 matches, scoring four tries, assisting in four others, registering 41 offloads, and breaking through the defense 10 times.
Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata praised Kikau’s achievement, calling it well-deserved. “Kikau is Kikau. He has been doing it from day one and he continues to do it,” Kativerata remarked. “He is a great player, very calm and collected, but a beast when he has the ball.”
Kikau made his international debut for Fiji in 2015 against Papua New Guinea in the Melanesian Cup, contributing to a 22–10 victory. He also debuted in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers in 2017, scoring a try in a commanding 36–2 win over the Wests Tigers.
Kativerata noted the unexpected success of the Bulldogs and Kikau’s award, saying, “Bulldogs are in the finals, no one thought they would, and no one thought Kikau would take the award.” Currently, Kikau is signed with the Bulldogs on a four-year contract worth $3.2 million, and he celebrated his 150th game in style during a 28-10 victory against the Dragons in Round 23.
In related news, Kativerata is set to announce a strong squad for the Pacific Nations Challenge, incorporating both experienced players and newcomers. He mentioned ongoing discussions with Mark Nawaqanitawase and young player James Valevatu, emphasizing the importance of including young forwards in the team.
Jordan Miller, a 19-year-old prop from the Wests Tigers, along with Michael Waqa from the Dolphins and Kylan Mafoa, are also expected to be included in the selection. Kativerata indicated that Kurt Donohue and Joe Lovodua would be paired in the halves to create a formidable playing strategy.
Additionally, he confirmed that four local players, including the comeback story of the year Keresi Maya, would feature in the extended squad. Potential selections also include Taane Milne, Waqa Blake, and Semi Valemei, who could form a strong center combination.