Search

show me:

Kikau straight-faced on NRL contract talk

3 minute read

Star back-rower Viliame Kikau insists he isn't seeking an exit from Penrith and that speculation isn't distracting him from the Panther's NRL premiership tilt.

VILIAME KIKAU.
VILIAME KIKAU. Picture: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images

Viliame Kikau wants to stay at Penrith but admits "you never know what could happen" as he attempts to shelve the speculation around his NRL future and focus on a premiership tilt.

The destructive back-rower is off-contract at the end of 2022 and has been linked with St George Illawarra, under his former Panthers coach Anthony Griffin.

Both Griffin and Kikau have denied any talks before formal discussions are allowed from November 1.

Kikau on Wednesday maintained his poker face when asked if he'd consider a move elsewhere.

"No, that's probably my answer for now," he said.

"Everything I do now is for the Panthers and trying to win a premiership and all the other stuff behind closed doors is on my manager.

"(I've made or had) no approaches; I'm not sure where all the news is popping up from.

"I just want to perform well, let my performance do the talking and that's about it on whether I'm going or staying - I think all that news is fake news."

Penrith have re-signed Nathan Cleary, Jarome Luai, Isaah Yeo, James Fisher-Harris and Stephen Crichton.

Dylan Edwards, Api Koroisau and Moses Leota are the other notable Panthers players coming off contract.

Kurt Capewell has already confirmed a move to Brisbane and the salary cap squeeze is expected to impact Kikau, who Griffin described as a rare commodity in today's game.

Kikau said all the right things though before Friday's clash with South Sydney, who have won 10-straight games since being flogged 56-12 by the Panthers in Dubbo.

"That's the first option (to stay); I love this club, this club gave me the opportunity to play on the big stage... and I'd love to stay here for the rest of my career," he said.

"But as you know, rugby league is a business and you never know what could happen, but I'd love to stay at Penrith."

Fisher-Harris and Tevita Pangai Jnr, who are are both listed as reserves after taking personal leave, are a chance of returning to action at Suncorp Stadium for what Kikau described as a finals-like clash.

"They have improved since that game we played (in Dubbo), just piling up points in every game since," he said.

"There's fire everywhere with Cody Walker, (Adam) Reynolds ... all those big names and Latrell (Mitchell) at the back.

"It's a very mean attacking side that can score from anywhere."

Think. Is this a bet you really want to place?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au