Kikau warned he’ll cop it from Souths fans

Scott Bailey | September 20, 2022

South Sydney players have warned Viliame Kikau to expect to cop hell from The Burrow over last year’s infamous social media post mocking the NRL club.

Kikau drew the ire of Rabbitohs fans following last year’s grand final win over the Bunnies, taking to social media to sing the club’s theme song and yelling that he loved the Rabbitohs.

The post lasted online for several hours during Penrith’s premiership celebrations, before being deleted after Kikau received a call from his manager.

“Every time we’ve played Souths since last year I’ve seen the video pop up somewhere,” Kikau told AAP. 

“I don’t even remember (doing it) … I’d had a little bit to drink.

“It was the worst morning ever looking at that.

“It was deleted. But with social media these days you can’t hide anything. Everyone is all over it.”

Kikau played down any suggestion the video could be used to motivate the Bunnies in Saturday night’s preliminary final, with a spot in the decider already on the line.

“It’s something that’s really irrelevant to playing footy,” the Penrith backrower said.

Souths players agree, but they are not so sure the fans will be as forgiving.

“It probably fires up the fans more than anything,” Souths cult hero Mark Nicholls said. 

“I am sure they would love to see us get revenge on him. 

“I’m of the opinion that if you win you can do as you want. As (Josh McGuire) said about Origin – winners have parties and losers have meetings.

“But I hope they (the fans) do (give it to him). I hope we have a lot of Souths fans there.”

Souths second-rower Keaon Koloamatangi agreed, and said the online video had not been spoken about by Rabbitohs players since.

“It’s probably a fan thing but we don’t really care,” he said. 

“It’s something for the fans to boo about, but it’s good for the game. A good rivalry and more electricity for the game. 

“He was enjoying himself, I don’t care. We’d probably do the same thing.”

Meanwhile Kikau said he had not let it enter his mind that Saturday could be his last appearance for Penrith if they lose, with the second-rower to head to Canterbury next year.

“I haven’t really thought about it too much,” the Fiji international said. 

“My focus is still here. When I’m finished it will probably come into my mind.”