Viliame Kikau, a player for the Fiji Bati, has been honored with the prestigious Dr. George Peponis Medal as the Bulldogs’ 2024 NRL Player of the Year. At 30 years old, Kikau played a crucial role in leading his team back to the finals for the first time in six years.
In what has been one of his finest seasons in the NRL, Kikau participated in 22 matches, scored four tries, made four assists, completed 41 offloads, and broke the defensive line on 10 occasions. Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata praised Kikau’s accomplishment, stating it was well-deserved. “Kikau is Kikau. He has been doing it from day one,” he remarked, adding that Kikau is both composed and formidable on the field.
Kikau began his international career with Fiji in 2015 during the Melanesian Cup against Papua New Guinea, contributing to a 22–10 victory. He made his NRL debut in 2017 with the Penrith Panthers, scoring a try in a 36–2 win over the Wests Tigers.
Kativerata noted the unexpected success of the Bulldogs reaching the finals and Kikau receiving the award. Currently, Kikau is under a four-year contract with the Bulldogs worth $3.2 million, and he recently celebrated his 150th game when the Bulldogs defeated the Dragons 28-10 in Round 23.
Looking ahead, Kativerata will be announcing a strong squad for the Pacific Nations Challenge, featuring a mix of experienced and new talent. He confirmed that discussions are ongoing with players like Mark Nawaqanitawase and young prospect James Valevatu. The squad is expected to include promising players such as Wests Tigers’ 19-year-old prop Jordan Miller, Dolphin’s Michael Waqa, and young forward Kylan Mafoa.
Kurt Donohue and Joe Lovodua are anticipated to be paired in the halves, with plans to include four local players in the extended squad, including the comeback player of the year, Keresi Maya. Additional names likely in contention for selection include Taane Milne, Waqa Blake, and Semi Valemei for the center combination.