Watch: Viliame Kikau marks NRL milestone match in best way

Steven Hughes
Viliame Kikau Penrith 100 NRL appearances

Penrith forward Viliame Kikau marked his 100th NRL appearance with a try double as the Panthers claimed a second straight win at St George.

It had been an emotional time for Kikau, who was presented with matchday jersey by his brother Jope. Jope himself played rugby union until a spinal infection left him unable to walk. When he saw his brother, he broke down in tears.

Kikau then went on to score two tries for the Panthers, but they were given a lot to think about by St George away from home.

The Fiji-b0rn forward gave his side the lead, before Tyrell Sloan levelled the scores for the Dragons.

Spencer Leniu then gave Penrith the lead back, before Kikau got his second just three minutes later to give the Panthers their biggest lead of the match.

Second half tries from Jayden Su’A and Zac Lomax brought the Dragons back into the contest, but it was Penrith who would hold on for the win.

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Kikau was born in Fiji and came over to Australia after being scouted for North Queensland. He played for their Holden Cup team, and scored 11 tries in his first year with them. Kikau also made the transition from centre, which was his rugby union position, to prop forward.

He would play one game for the Cowboys, in a friendly against Townsville Blackhawks. Kikau scored a try as the Cowboys won 24-12. In 2015, he would score 32 tries in 42 appearances.

The 26-year-old then moved over to Penrith. He spent a year with their NSW Cup team before making his first-team debut in 2017.

That year, he would also make the Fiji squad for the World Cup. Kikau made an instant impression, scoring three tries and being named in the team of the tournament.

He was then able to cement his place in the first-team and played major roles in their Minor Premiership win in 2020, and their Major Premiership win in 2021.

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NRL Penrith Panthers

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