Fijian sensation Viliame Kikau re-signs with Panthers until 2022

Penrith have locked down cult hero Viliame Kikau until the end of the 2022 NRL season, keeping him out of reach of rival clubs.

Despite being on contract until the end of next year, the Fijian powerhouse back-rower on Wednesday extended his deal for a further three years.

“It’s very exciting to know I’ll be at Panthers for the next few years,” Kikau said.

“There are so many talented players at the club and I really enjoy their company.

“It was a big decision to re-sign and I made it with the full support of my family, which is most important to me.

“I know this is just the beginning and I can’t wait to see what the future brings.”

In his 16 appearances this year, the Fijian international has been a terrorising presence down the Panthers’ left edge.

He leads the club for metres made (1917m), line-breaks (seven) and tackle-busts (51) as well as crossing for five tries.

A product of the tiny Fijian island Bau, he was scouted by North Queensland playing rugby union in school and starred for the Cowboys in the under-20s.

He battled injury during his first year at the Panthers in 2016 but has made his mark on the competition this year and established himself as one of the NRL’s most exciting forwards.

“Viliame is an incredible young man,” Panthers supremo Phil Gould said.

“His story is a source of inspiration for all youngsters who dream of playing in the NRL, not the least of which will be the many young kids from his homeland in Fiji.

“We are very lucky to have him at our club as Billy has now established himself as one of the most promising forwards in the NRL.”