Bulldogs enforcer Viliame Kikau says he’s more focused on the process than outcomes in 2024 after conceding looking too far ahead got the better of him last year.
Kikau was restricted to just nine appearances in his first season for the Club with a ruptured pectoral muscle suffered in April limiting his time on the field.
It was a difficult year for the two-time premiership winner, who was also adjusting to life at Belmore after switching from the Panthers.
However, the experience has also allowed him to grow as a player and person with the 28-year-old eyeing a big comeback season.
“It was the most frustrating year of my career, especially after changing clubs,” Kikau said.
“I learned a lot about myself which I don’t think I would’ve learned if I had stayed at Penrith. When you’re taken out of your comfort zone you see another side to yourself.
“We were too focused last year on the end result. This time last year I was thinking how good our edge was going to be before actually going through the process of working on it.
“I just want to make sure I’m fit this season and do whatever I can for the edge but it all starts at training and working hard. You can’t help injuries but I have some repaying to do.”
I just want to make sure I’m fit this season and do whatever I can for the edge but it all starts at training and working hard. You can’t help injuries but I have some repaying to do.
The arrival of Stephen Crichton alongside several fresh faces has also given Kikau a boost with Head Coach Cameron Ciraldo in a selection headache ahead of Round 1 against the Eels on Saturday.
Match: Eels v Bulldogs
Round 1 -
home Team
Eels
3rd Position
away Team
Bulldogs
14th Position
Venue: CommBank Stadium, Sydney
“It’s been a breath of fresh air to have so many recruits come in,” Kikau said.
“Obviously it didn’t take long for the boys to meet the real Critta and his boombox.
“I just want him to be himself and not change. When he brings that energy to the team it’s contagious.
“I feel more comfortable with having him around and coming from the same system with Ciraldo I think the boys are trusting what we’re doing here.
“He shines in big games and feels so relaxed because he’s done all the work.”
Kikau is expected to resume his spot on the left edge in 2024 but said he was proud of the work Jacob Preston did in his absence last year.
Preston claimed the Dr. George Peponis Player of the Year Award in 2023 along with the Members’ Award and Rookie of the Year honours. He is expected to line up on the right side to start the season.
“He’s a good bloke to start with,” Kikau said of Preston.
“You want good people before they’re good players. Last year he was a sponge, asking for information around attack and defensive systems.
“He’s eager to learn and has a full trophy cabinet because he won everything last season. I’m looking forward to working with him in the back-row this year.”
