Kikau, Bullogs opening doors for Fijian juniors

Canterbury star Viliame Kikau has declared it's only a matter of time before a Kaiviti Silktails player makes his NRL debut for the Bulldogs. 

The Jersey Flegg side created history last month, winning their first two matches since joining the under 21s competition last year. 

The Fijian international has played a key role in the development of rugby league in the island nation, setting up the Kikau Academy in 2023 to help provide youngsters with the chance to chase their rugby league dreams. 

While it remains early days, Kikau can see the early signs of success and is confident more players will follow his path from Fiji to the NRL. 

"I was born and bred back home," Kikau said. "As a little kid all I wanted to do was [play rugby league]. I'm blessed to be in the position I am today and all I wanted to do is give back, give the same opportunity that I had to another young Fijian. 

"We have a lot of young talent back home. It's good to see the growth and working with the Silktails is cool. Hopefully it's just going to get bigger and better."

Kikau grew up on the small island of Bau and was scouted by the Cowboys while playing for the Fijian Schoolboys rugby union side on a tour of Australia. 

A move to North Queensland followed, before he eventually made his NRL debut for the Panthers in 2017. 

After six successful years with Penrith, Kikau joined the Bulldogs in 2023 and began formulating plans to give back. 

With the support of general manager Phil Gould, the powerful back rower established the Kikau Academy and the club launched a partnership with the Silktails in October. 

"[The support] has been massive," Kikau said. "I've been getting messages from Gus after the games, 'how good was that'. It's really exciting to see the boys develop and learn new skills. It's good to see them get a couple of wins."

Kikau will be forced to watch Sunday's Multicultural Round clash from the Knights for the sidelines as he continues to recover from a knee injury. 

The Bulldogs are hoping for a crowd in excess of 30,000 as they celebrate a diverse supporter base made up of more than 80 nationalities. 

Canterbury are the only undefeated team left in the NRL and the drums have been beating loudly throughout the streets of Belmore in recent weeks.

The recent success comes on the back of a decision to build from within, with Gould establishing a pathways program to rival the one he helped set up at Penrith.

Like the Panthers, it has been a slow build but the results have started to become clear across the board. 

The Bulldogs took out the Jersey Flegg premiership last season and made the grand final of the SG Ball competition. 

Coach Cameron Ciraldo said the addition of the Silktails to the club's junior network provides another stream that will ultimately benefit the NRL team.