Fiji Bati forward Viliame Kikau has extended his commitment to the Canterbury Bulldogs, signing an additional two-season contract that keeps him with the club until the end of 2028. His decision comes after interest from the new Perth Bears, who aimed to recruit the talented player. However, Kikau ultimately chose to remain with the Bulldogs, reinforcing his loyalty to the team.
Kikau, who has previously won two premierships with Penrith, faced a challenging inaugural season with the Bulldogs in 2023. Injuries limited him to just nine appearances, yet he still managed to play a vital role in helping the team reach the finals in consecutive years. His renewed contract is seen as a boost for coach Cameron Ciraldo, who is looking to end the Bulldogs’ long premiership drought that has lasted for 21 years.
Despite the Bears striving to make a compelling pitch to Kikau, discussions did not develop further, allowing him to focus on his future with the Bulldogs. The announcement of his extended stay is promising for fans, as it not only strengthens the squad but also showcases Kikau’s commitment to the club, potentially instilling confidence and motivation among fans and teammates. This allegiance supports the notion of building a more formidable team that aims for success in the coming seasons.