The Storm managed to secure a narrow victory against the Bulldogs at AAMI Park, but they couldn’t contain the unstoppable force of Viliame Kikau.
The formidable left-edge back-rower has been in outstanding form for the Bulldogs, earning six Dally M votes in Round 6 on top of the four he received the previous week in the victory over the Roosters. Kikau’s season average of 110 run metres per game showcases his dominance, especially evident in the past two weeks, where he broke through 10 tackles and wreaked havoc on the right-edge defense of both the Storm and Roosters.
Following his stellar performances, Kikau has surged to the top of the Dally M voting ladder with 17 points, tying with Knights fullback Kalyn Ponga. Ponga aims to emulate Johnathan Thurston by claiming consecutive medals, having earned maximum points in Round 5 but faced tough competition from Joey Manu and Angus Crichton in Round 6 during the Roosters’ upset victory at McDonald Jones Stadium.
Manly’s Daly Cherry-Evans currently holds third place after a standout performance in the thrilling draw against the Warriors, while 2022 Dally M winner Nicho Hynes follows closely behind in fourth with 14 points, securing two points in the match against the Rabbitohs.
Zac Lomax from the Dragons and Pat Carrigahn from the Broncos also garnered six votes each in Round 6, placing them jointly on 13 points. If Kikau clinches the Dally M title, he would be the first back-rower to win the prestigious individual award since Jason Taumalolo shared the honor with Cooper Cronk in 2016.
Dally M voting will remain undisclosed after Round 12, with the winner announced at a glamorous ceremony during NRL grand final week.