Fiji Bati player Viliame Kikau has been honored with the Bulldogs’ highest accolade, receiving the Dr. George Peponis Medal as the Bulldogs’ 2024 NRL Player of the Year. The 30-year-old played a pivotal role in leading the club back to the finals after a six-year absence.
Kikau had a standout season in the NRL, taking the field in 22 matches where he scored four tries, assisted in four more, made 41 offloads, and broke the line ten times. His head coach for Fiji Bati, Wise Kativerata, praised Kikau’s achievement, calling it well-deserved. Kativerata emphasized Kikau’s consistency and his ability to excel on the field.
Kikau began his international career with Fiji in 2015 during the Melanesian Cup against Papua New Guinea and debuted in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers in 2017 against the Wests Tigers. In this match, he made an immediate impact by scoring a try, contributing to a significant victory.
Kativerata noted the surprise that the Bulldogs made it to the finals and that Kikau received such an award. Currently, Kikau remains with the Bulldogs under a $3.2 million contract for four years, which began in 2023. He recently celebrated his 150th game milestone with the Bulldogs, marked by a win over the Dragons.
Looking ahead, Kativerata is set to announce a competitive squad full of experienced and emerging players for the upcoming Pacific Nations Challenge. He mentioned ongoing discussions with players such as Mark Nawaqanitawase and young talent James Valevatu. The squad will likely feature promising young forwards and veterans, aiming to strengthen the team’s performance.
Kativerata confirmed that four local players would be included in the extended squad, highlighting the inspiring comeback of Keresi Maya, along with potential selections like Taane Milne, Waqa Blake, and Semi Valemei to form a strong center combination.