Viliame Kikau has been recognised for his dedicated off-field work with the Bulldogs second-rower earning a nomination for the prestigious 2026 Ken Stephen Medal.
The Ken Stephen Medal is presented each year to an NRL player who has not only achieved on the field but has also gone above and beyond off it in their commitment to charity work, youth development or community support.
Kikau has done incredible work in the Fijian community since launching the Kikau Academy in 2023, which aims to provide youngsters a pathway to chasing their rugby league dreams.
Through the Academy, a number of rugby league prospects have been able to make the trip from Fiji to Belmore to train alongside the Bulldogs’ senior squad and gain valuable experience and insight into what it takes to be an NRL player.
Kikau’s impact has been felt well beyond the rugby league community in Fiji too with the Bulldogs Vice-Captain spearheading an initiative to spread joy over the most recent Christmas period.
In a partnership with Australian toy brand Kidstuff, the Kikau Academy delivered toys to orphanages, women’s shelters and children’s charities, reaching over 200 kids at a time they needed it most.