Fiji Bati forward Viliame Kikau has a lot on his mind as he prepares for the National Rugby League grand final on Sunday at the ANZ Stadium in Sydney, Australia.
Kikau and Api Koroisau’s Penrith Panthers team will play Suliasi Vunivalu and Tui Kamikamica’s Melbourne Storm.
While the grand final is a battle every NRL player wants to play in, Kikau carries with him a personal battle to win for his family.
He will not fight the battle alone knowing his family will be with him through prayers, dedications, support and watching him play in the telecast of the final.
The family support comes collectively from his parents, Ratu Ralulu and Lily, his sister-in- law, sister and his mentor and wheelchair-ridden brother, Jope.
Jope has always been Viliame’s mentor and number one supporter. The family is proud of Viliame’s achievements including reaching his first grand final.
Kikau’s mother, Lily, thanked the Lord Almighty for her son’s talent and success. “We are so proud of him in reaching the grand final of the NRL,” she said.
“We did not expect him to get this far.” Kikau’s father, Ratu Ralulu, could not hide his emotions.
“I didn’t expect him to reach this level of rugby league,” said Ratu Ralulu.
“As a father, I am so proud, not only of his achievements, but how he has also strengthened our ties in the village and with our relatives.”
Big brother Jope is the proudest of the family. “We are proud of where he has reached today,” he said.
“I remember when he used to play in the Suva Grammar School grounds and when he received his first NRL contract.
“We have been following him since his Milo Kaji days,” said Jope.
“From primary to secondary school level to the Fiji under-18 and signing his first contract for the Cowboys was a proud moment for us and to reach the NRL grand finale is just amazing.”
The Melbourne Storm team heads into the final as the favourite.
