The Kaiviti Silktails have secured a groundbreaking three-year partnership with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs. Founded in 2020, the Silktails initially competed in the Ron Massey Cup within the New South Wales Rugby League (NSWRL) and have since moved to the Jersey Flegg Cup, focusing on discovering and nurturing Rugby League talent from Fiji.
In recent seasons, the Bulldogs have deepened their engagement with Fijian rugby, notably following the signing of Fiji Bati International Viliame Kikau. The establishment of ‘The Kikau Academy’ has allowed the club’s Ron Massey Cup and Jersey Flegg teams to visit Fiji three times over the past year.
This new partnership aligns with the Bulldogs’ significant representation of Fijian players in the upcoming 2025 Pacific Championships, including members of the Bati squad such as Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama, and Penioni Tagituimua, alongside Bulikula players Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Latisha Smythe, and Nanise Vakacavu. Moreover, the Bulldogs have announced the return of Fijian international Marcelo Montoya in 2025.
Phil Gould AM, General Manager of Football, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, emphasizing the potential to cultivate Fijian talent within the NRL. “This is a groundbreaking partnership that will be paramount in the development of Rugby League throughout Fiji,” Gould stated. He highlighted the current roster of Fijian players at the club, including Kikau in the NRL and Smythe in the NRLW, and looked forward to the growth of this pathway in the coming years.
Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Peter Civoniceva shared his excitement about collaborating with the Bulldogs, praising their Pathways Program. “Our club is thrilled to be partnering with the Bulldogs, with many reasons why this deal is beneficial for us,” Civoniceva remarked. He acknowledged the Bulldogs’ impressive performance in the NRL and the efforts of Phil Gould and Adam Hartigan in building a robust Pathways Program. Civoniceva also noted the considerable Fijian ex-pat community in the Canterbury-Bankstown area and commended the Bulldogs for their dedication to rugby in Fiji during a recent meeting.
Leave a comment