Fiji Bati player Viliame Kikau has been honored with the Dr. George Peponis Medal, awarded to the Bulldogs’ Player of the Year for the 2024 NRL season. At 30 years old, Kikau played a crucial role in the Bulldogs’ return to the finals after a six-year hiatus.
During what has been one of his best seasons, Kikau participated in 22 matches, scoring four tries and assisting in another four. He recorded 41 offloads and broke through defenses ten times. Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata commended Kikau for this well-deserved recognition, emphasizing his reliability and performance on the field.
Kikau debuted for Fiji in 2015 against Papua New Guinea in the Melanesian Cup and made his NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers in 2017, scoring a try in a match against the Wests Tigers. Kativerata noted that both the Bulldogs’ finals appearance and Kikau’s award came as surprises to many.
Currently with the Bulldogs on a four-year, $3.2 million contract signed in 2023, Kikau also celebrated his 150th game as the Bulldogs claimed a 28-10 victory over the Dragons in Round 23.
Today, Kativerata is set to announce a strong squad for the Pacific Nations Challenge, with discussions ongoing with players like Mark Nawaqanitawase and young talent James Valevatu. Young forwards are expected to be included to help build the team’s future.
Additional players likely to be featured in the squad include Wests Tigers’ 19-year-old prop Jordan Miller, Dolphin’s Michael Waqa, and young forward Kylan Mafoa. Notably, Kurt Donohue and Joe Lovodua will be paired in the halves, aiming for a dynamic team performance. The squad may also see the inclusion of four local players, including comeback story Keresi Maya, alongside Taane Milne, Waqa Blake, and Semi Valemei for the center positions.