Premiership-winning Panthers second-rower Viliame Kikau is set to join Canterbury on a four-year deal from 2023.
In a story broken by News Corp on Friday, Kikau’s connections with Bulldogs general manager Phil Gould and coach Trent Barrett, who both previously worked for Penrith, will bring him to Belmore after next season.
The Dally M Second-Rower of the Year also reportedly fielded offers from the Cowboys and Dragons with the Panthers unable to match the hefty rival bids.
Kikau’s decision to join Canterbury is another step in the club returning to its former glory. They already boast a formidable roster for 2022 thanks to recruits Josh Addo-Carr, Matt Burton, Tevita Pangai Jr, Matt Dufty and Paul Vaughan.
While neither Penrith or Canterbury have confirmed the Kikau news, a leaked photo of the Fijian powerhouse in Bulldogs kit alongside Gould and Barrett suggests it won’t be long before it’s made official.
I think the photo pisses me off more than the actual signing. What say you Panthers fans? ???? pic.twitter.com/MGIO7Lhy5D
— Nathan Taylor (@NateTaylor87) November 19, 2021