From a reserved young boy to a leading player for the Vodafone Fiji Bati, forward Viliame Kikau is hopeful that his team will deliver an outstanding performance on Saturday night.
Kikau has described the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls as a physically imposing opponent, comparing them to “a ton of bricks.” The 29-year-old acknowledged that their Melanesian rivals have always posed a significant challenge, indicating that it would be anything but easy for the Bati.
With the support of the home crowd, Kikau is eager for the Bati to impress their local fans. “It’s a big game against our PNG brothers; they are a physical team – they come out hard from the first minute to the end. It feels like a ton of bricks running at you for the entire 80 minutes,” Kikau stated.
The player from Bau in Tailevu missed last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship in PNG to concentrate on the upcoming 2024 NRL season with the Bulldogs. He has played an important role as one of the senior voices during training sessions at Albert Park.
Reflecting on his early career, Kikau recalled, “I remember when I was a little shy kid, my first few games for the Bati, I came in quietly and looked up to the senior players for guidance and communication.”
He noted that many of the younger players have limited experience in the NRL, and by encouraging them to communicate, it helps build their confidence as they prepare for the weekend’s match. “I believe that really assisted them,” he added.
The Bati squad includes promising teenagers like Jordan Miller, who is poised to make his debut, and Jethro Rinakama. While these young players show potential, they often remain reserved.
Kikau remarked, “Fijian kids can be quite shy, and it takes time for them to adjust and feel comfortable speaking up.” He aims to support them, guiding them when necessary, and hopes they will gain valuable experience from the camp.
“We’re getting ready and focusing on this week’s game,” he concluded.