Fiji Bati player Viliame Kikau has been honored with the Dr. George Peponis Medal, awarded to the Bulldogs’ 2024 NRL Player of the Year. The 30-year-old played a crucial role in guiding the club back to the finals after a six-year absence.
Kikau had a standout season in the NRL, participating in 22 matches where he scored four tries and assisted on four others, along with making 41 offloads and breaking tackles 10 times.
Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata praised Kikau’s accomplishment, referring to it as well-deserved. He noted Kikau’s consistent performance and unique ability to dominate when in possession of the ball.
Kikau made his international debut for Fiji in 2015 against Papua New Guinea during the Melanesian Cup and later debuted in the NRL for the Penrith Panthers in 2017, scoring a try in his first match.
Kativerata highlighted the unexpected nature of the Bulldogs reaching the finals and Kikau receiving the prestigious award, emphasizing the impressive turnaround for both the player and the team.
Currently, Kikau is in the second year of a four-year, $3.2 million contract with the Bulldogs. He marked his 150th game in style as the Bulldogs triumphed over the Dragons 28-10 in Round 23.
Looking ahead, Kativerata is set to announce a robust squad for the upcoming Pacific Nations Challenge, incorporating both seasoned players and newcomers. He is currently in discussions with players such as Mark Nawaqanitawase and James Valevatu, aiming to integrate young forwards into the team.
Potential new selections include Wests Tigers’ 19-year-old prop Jordan Miller, Dolphin’s Michael Waqa, and forward Kylan Mafoa. Kativerata expressed enthusiasm about the pairing of Kurt Donohue and Joe Lovodua in the halves and the team’s overall dynamics, featuring a diverse range of attacking options.
Four local players, including the comeback story of the year Keresi Maya, are expected to be included in the extended squad, along with others like Taane Milne, Waqa Blake, and Semi Valemei potentially forming the center combination.