Viliame Kikau may already be in possession of two premiership rings, but the powering back-rower is determined to secure his third with the Canterbury Bulldogs.
Kikau withheld from taking up any deals tabled by rival teams over the past month and inked a fresh two-year extension that will keep him in Belmore until the end of 2028.
There was several promising signs shown by the Bulldogs throughout the 2025 season, although a chance to contest for the premiership did not end up on their cards.
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A 26-18 defeat at the hands of the Storm in the first week of finals was followed by a damaging 46-26 defeat against the Panthers, in what marked the end of their season.
But those results did not damage the confidence of the playing group, nor did it deter Kikau from cementing his future at the club.
“Just with where the club is heading, I’d be silly not to re-sign,” he told 9News.
Viliame Kikau of the Bulldogs celebrates scoring a try. Getty
“I’d love to be a part of what we are trying to build in Belmore. The final goal is to win another premiership for Canterbury Bankstown.”
Kikau confirmed the premiership title is still his main goal at the Bulldogs.
“Hundred per cent. That belief hasn’t changed at all since my first day walking in back in 2023,” he continued.
“The motivation will only get stronger now.”
Although some familiar faces including Toby Sexton and Reed Mahoney will not don the blue and white in 2026, the club looked to bolster their depth around the park.
But the signing of former Newcastle prop Leo Thompson is one many are excited to see.
“We’ve been adding a bit more size in our pack,” Kikau said, pointing to his new teammate’s signing.
“It is something we have lacked over the past few years. (Thompson) is a great signing for us. Hopefully it is just going to make us better.”
The first stop for next season will be a trip to the United States, where the Bulldogs will face the Dragons in a magical Las Vegas match.
It is the first time either team has been selected to feature in a game in Las Vegas, with the Canberra Raiders, Cronulla Sharks, Penrith Panthers and Warriors all playing in 2025.
Kikau admits that the spectacle of the international club match is one he dreamed of as a young boy back in Fiji.
“I think the thing will be to just embrace it,” he said when asked about playing in Vegas.
“And to just be proud to have a look back at where I’ve come from, being a kid back home in the little island of Fiji.
“Now I am playing on the biggest stage in Las Vegas. I would’ve dreamed of that. I am so blessed.”