The chance to play at this year’s Rugby League World Cup is driving Fijian powerhouse Viliame Kikau’s bid to return to the field from a pec injury.

The rampaging forward has been out of action since rupturing his pectoral in Round 8 and faces another seven weeks on the sidelines.

While eager to return before the Bulldogs’ NRL season wraps up, Kikau has an even bigger goal looming at the end of the year.

Injury forced the 31-year-old to miss Fiji’s 2025 Pacific Championships campaign and he’s desperate to ensure it doesn’t happen again this season.

“There’s a fair amount of young Fijians coming up and making a name in the NRL,” Kikau said. “It’s something we look forward to, I put my hand up every time to represent my country.

“It’s something I’m most proud of and hopefully I’ll be injury free and ready to go at the back end of the year to represent my country.”

Kikau grew up on the Fijian island of Bau before moving to Townsville to join the Cowboys pathway as an 18-year-old in 2013.

The forward eventually shifted south to Sydney and made his NRL debut for the Panthers in 2017, winning two titles before joining Canterbury.

Viliame Kikau is desperate to represent Fiji for the first time since 2024. Picture: NRL Photos.

Throughout a decorated NRL career, he has served as an inspiration for Fijian children, establishing the Kikau Academy to help create opportunities for youngsters in his home country.

The forward made his international rugby league debut back in 2015 and has played 18 games for Fiji. Kikau has also captained the Bati and featured at two World Cups, with his sights set on a third.

Fiji will open their 2026 campaign against Cook Islands in Newcastle before playing Australia and New Zealand in a challenging group. The top two teams will progress to the semi-finals.

One of the most damaging ball carriers in the game, Kikau has endured a frustrating run with injuries throughout the past couple of years.

The latest injury comes amid a challenging season for the Bulldogs, who have slumped to 14^th on the ladder.

Captain, and Samoan star, Stephen Crichton has battled a shoulder injury, while Kangaroos contender Jacob Preston broke his arm in Round 12.

Canterbury will return to the field on Monday for a King’s Birthday clash with the Eels, where they will hope to get their campaign back on track.

Kikau admits it’s been frustrating watching from the sidelines but is confident his side can still make a run to the finals.

“It’s always tough,” he said. “You want to be out there with the boys playing with the team but what can you do?

“I’ll just try and help as much as I can on and off the field, helping all the players and the back-rowers on the team. I’ll play my part, do everything I can and the results will take care of itself.”