Kikau made his international debut for Fiji in 2015 against Papua New Guinea in the Melanesian Cup match, playing off the interchange bench in the 22–10 win at Robina Stadium.
Viliame Kikau with the Dr George Peponis Medal.
Fiji Bati player Viliame Kikau has received the Bulldogs’ highest honour when he was awarded the Dr George Peponis Medal – Bulldogs 2024 NRL Player of the Year.
The 30-year-old was instrumental in the club’s return to the finals after a lapse of six years.
Kikau played one of his best seasons in the NRL to date, appearing in 22 matches which he scored four tries, created a further four, offloaded 41 times and broke the line on 10 occasions.
Speaking to SUNsports, Fiji Bati head coach Wise Kativerata described Kikau’s achievement as a well-deserved one.
“Kikau is Kikau. He has been doing it from day one and he continues to do it,” Kativerata said.
“He is a great player, very calm and collected but a beast when he has the ball in hand,” he said.
Kikau made his international debut for Fiji in 2015 against Papua New Guinea in the Melanesian Cup match, playing off the interchange bench in the 22–10 win at Robina Stadium.
He then made his NRL debut for the Penrith Panthers in 2017 against the Wests Tigers, playing off the interchange bench and scoring a try in the 36–2 win at Campbelltown Stadium and the rest is history.
“Bulldogs are in the finals, no one thought they would and no one thought Kikau will take the award,” Kativerata said.
Kikau is currently with the Bulldogs on a $3.2 million deal for four years since 2023. He also celebrated his 150-game milestone in style as the Bulldogs defeated the Dragons 28-10 in Round 23.
Kativerata is expected to name a strong squad laced with experienced and new players for the Pacific Nations Challenge today.
“Right now, I am still in talks with some players such as Mark Nawaqanitawase and the young James Valevatu.
“We are going to name some young forwards as we want to build our players,” he said.
Likely to be named also are Wests Tigers’ 19-year-old prop Jordan Miller, Dolphin’s Michael Waqa and young forward Kylan Mafoa.
“We got Kurt Donohue and Joe Lovodua who we will pair in the halves. It will be awesome to watch our team as strike weapons all across the ground.”
“Four local boys will be named in the extended squad including comeback story of the year Keresi Maya, Kativerata confirmed.
Others likely to make the selection include Taane Milne, Waqa Blake and Semi Valemei who could form the centre combination.
Feedback: josua.buredua@fijisun.com.fj
