Viliame Kikau, a key player for the Vodafone Fiji Bati, is looking forward to showcasing their skills in front of home fans this Saturday night. The forward described the physical challenge posed by the Papua New Guinea (PNG) Kumuls as comparable to facing “a ton of bricks.”
At 29 years old, Kikau acknowledged that the Melanesian team is always a formidable opponent, ensuring that the upcoming match will be anything but easy.
“The PNG team is very physical and they come out hard from the start to the finish,” said Kikau. “It feels like a ton of bricks running at you for the entire 80 minutes.”
Kikau missed last year’s Pacific Bowl Championship to concentrate on his 2024 NRL season with the Bulldogs. He has taken on a leadership role during training at Albert Park, guiding less experienced teammates.
Reflecting on his early days, he recalled being a shy newcomer, relying on veteran players for support. “As a young kid, I was quiet and looked to the senior boys for communication. It’s essential for the inexperienced players to find their voice,” he explained.
The Bati squad features promising young talents like Jordan Miller, who is likely to make his debut, and Jethro Rinakama. Despite their potential, Kikau noted that these young players often take time to open up.
“Fijian kids tend to be shy; it takes a while for them to feel comfortable,” he said. “I’m here to support them and help them grow, and I hope they take valuable lessons from this experience.”
The team is focused and ready to prepare for the upcoming game.