With Penrith backrower Viliame Kikau free to play within the NRL grand ultimate, the stage is ready for a western Sydney conflict that can rock the foundations of Stadium Australia.
Key factors:
- Penrith backrower Viliame Kikau has been cleared to play within the NRL grand ultimate
- Kikau’s punishing defence has been a spotlight in latest weeks and the Fijian is planning extra of the identical in opposition to Parramatta
- With the Eels additionally thriving on the powerful stuff, the western Sydney grand ultimate might rattle the foundations of Stadium Australia
Kikau was cited for a shoulder cost in Saturday evening’s victory over South Sydney however escaped suspension and can take his place in opposition to Parramatta after paying a $3,000 high-quality.
The influence of Kikau’s inclusion cannot be overstated – the Fijian has loved probably the most full season of his profession in 2022 and whereas the sting ahead has at all times been a gifted attacking participant he is turn into one of the vital feared hitmen within the recreation throughout the previous 12 months.
Large hits and loads of them have been the order of the day for Kikau in Penrith’s run to the premiership final 12 months and he is carried that type all by way of 2022.
The preliminary ultimate was no exception, and Kikau is bound to carry the thunder yet another time when the Panthers face the Eels with all the pieces on the road subsequent Sunday.
“Everybody is aware of defence wins huge video games, in order that’s at all times a spotlight. Each workforce can assault, we are able to assault, however when it is time to defend everybody turns it on,” Kikau mentioned.
“It is one of many greatest issues I work on each pre-season. After I got here into the league I used to be actually good with my assault however my defence was a bit off.
“It is onerous within the NRL, taking part in again row you must make reads, and I have been studying loads.”
Win or lose, Sunday shall be Kikau’s ultimate recreation with the Panthers earlier than he joins the Bulldogs in 2023 and he’ll depart nothing on the sector as he saddles up for one final experience with the membership that is turn into his dwelling.
Since arriving from North Queensland in 2016, Kikau has turn into probably the greatest backrowers on the planet and a key part of Penrith’s ascension to powerhouse standing in recent times.
“Each recreation I’ve performed this 12 months, I’ve performed it as my final and subsequent week is my last-last. I will give it all the pieces. The objective is to maintain my head calm by way of the week,” Kikau mentioned.
“I discovered loads the previous couple of years. I took off from Fiji not figuring out something about rugby league. The largest factor is I have been studying, Penrith has taught me loads – not simply as a footy participant however methods to be a greater particular person off the sector.
“It is a credit score to the membership, and the one method I believe I can repay them is profitable that recreation subsequent week.”
Kikau is bound to be dealing out the large hits in opposition to the Eels in what’s anticipated to be a rugged bodily battle between two of probably the most aggressive and highly effective groups within the competitors.
The additional warmth from an area derby being performed on the largest stage all however ensures a torrid collision of the western Sydney rivals.
“I do not assume there’s something greater than this, battle of the west in a GF. It is gonna be a magnificence, it is gonna be packed and Parra at all times flip up after they play in opposition to Penrith,” Kikau mentioned.
“The rivalry, I did not actually realize it till I acquired to Penrith. Parra folks hate Penrith and Penrith persons are the identical.
“I am simply attempting to remain dwelling this week, trigger it may be a giant one. Even in comparison with the final two years, we could not do loads reason behind COVID.
“Followers shall be across the streets in Penrith and Parra and we simply should undergo the week with all the pieces that must be achieved.
“We nonetheless have not achieved the job but. There’s one week to go.”
