In an exciting development for rugby league, the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs have announced a three-year partnership with the Kaiviti Silktails aimed at enhancing the Club’s Pathways Programs in Fiji. Coach Cameron Ciraldo expressed the club’s enthusiasm, emphasizing the transformative potential of this collaboration for aspiring rugby league players in the Pacific nation.
The Kaiviti Silktails, established in 2020, have made significant strides in the rugby league landscape, first competing in the Ron Massey Cup and now transitioning to the Jersey Flegg Cup. Their mission has been clear: to uncover and nurture rugby league talent from Fiji, a goal that aligns perfectly with the Bulldogs’ vision for player development and community engagement.
Cameron Ciraldo highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating, “This collaboration represents a pivotal moment for both our clubs and for rugby league in Fiji. By working closely with the Silktails, we aim to create pathways that will allow talented players to progress into the NRL and further develop the sport within the region.”
The Bulldogs have ramped up their commitment to Fiji over the past two seasons, particularly following the signing of Fijian international Viliame Kikau. The establishment of “The Kikau Academy” has seen the Bulldogs’ Ron Massey Cup and Jersey Flegg teams travel to Fiji three times in the last year, a move that has not only strengthened ties but has also provided invaluable exposure and experience to local players.
The timing of this partnership is particularly fortuitous, coinciding with a robust representation of Fijian players in the upcoming 2025 Pacific Championships. Bulldogs fans can look forward to seeing familiar faces such as Kikau, Kitione Kautoga, Jethro Rinakama, and Penioni Tagituimua, alongside the Bulikula quartet of Ilisapeci Bari, Abigayle Sekitoga, Latisha Smythe, and Nanise Vakacavu.
General Manager of Football Phil Gould AM expressed his excitement about the partnership, underscoring its potential to accelerate the development of Fijian talent. “This groundbreaking partnership will be paramount in the development of rugby league throughout Fiji,” Gould noted. “We already have a proud contingent of Fijians at the club, and we’re committed to expanding this pathway over the next few years.”
Kaiviti Silktails Chairman Peter Civoniceva echoed these sentiments, praising the Bulldogs’ Pathways Program. “Our club is thrilled to partner with the Bulldogs. Their recent successes in the NRL are a testament to the effectiveness of their development initiatives,” Civoniceva said. “Aligning ourselves with a strong program like theirs was essential for us.”
Civoniceva also highlighted the significant Fijian ex-pat community in the Canterbury-Bankstown District, noting the geographical and cultural ties that will enhance this partnership. “The commitment shown by Gus and Adam during their recent meeting with our board was impressive, and we are eager to see how this partnership unfolds.”
As the Bulldogs prepare to bolster their presence in Fiji, this partnership is set to become a cornerstone of their strategy, aiming to cultivate a new generation of rugby league talent from the islands. With the shared goal of developing the game in Fiji, both the Bulldogs and the Kaiviti Silktails look forward to a fruitful collaboration that promises to benefit players, communities, and the sport as a whole.
