A 25-second video captured after last year’s grand final loss will be the source of inspiration for Jason Demetriou’s Rabbitohs ahead of a huge sudden-death rematch.
Panthers backrower Viliame Kikau filmed himself signing Souths’ iconic ‘Glory, Glory’ theme song before posting the footage to social media.
Kikau’s post after the Panthers’ tight 14-12 victory left players furious and fans with a bad taste in their mouth — and the Rabbitohs haven’t forgotten.
Stream every game of every round of the 2022 NRL Telstra Premiership Season Live & Ad-Break Free During Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
LISTEN TO EPISODE 25 OF THE FOX LEAGUE PODCAST WITH AARON WOODS
Rabbitohs players won’t be targeting the hulking backrower, but according to The Daily Telegraph, will use Kikau’s dig as motivation to best Cleary’s men.
Former Rabbitohs gun Bryan Fletcher warned the video may come back to haunt Kikau after Jason Demetriou’s side booked a grand final rematch on Saturday.
“I’ve noticed in this game that these things tend to come back to bite you on the arse,” Fletcher said.
“I thought it was good theatre at the time but it could now come to bite him.
“It is an iconic theme song. You need every bit of motivation you can get going into these games so I can understand the Souths boys using it.
“It’s a bit like Alfie Langer singing ‘St George can’t play’ (after the 1993 grand final). I’ve noticed in this game that these things tend to come back to bite you on the arse.”
The Panthers claimed Kikau was merely enjoying grand final celebrations, with no malice behind the footage.
At the time the Bulldogs recruit waved away criticism, explaining the video was all “fun and games off the field”.
But the light-hearted jab has sparked a bitterness from his rivals, explaining he still “cops a fair bit” because of the incident.
“I still cop a fair bit every time I play the Rabbitohs,” Kikau said to the SMH ahead of the preliminary final.
“Nothing’s going to change this weekend I don’t think.
“I can’t even remember that day (I recorded the video) now to be honest. I think they will (target me). I’ve just got to be ready.”
MORE NRL NEWS
RESERVES WRAP: Dolphins duo give Wayne a reason to smile as rugby convert stars
LODGE VS GALLEN: Roosters enforcer lays down conditions for huge boxing bout
NICE TOUCH: Eels move training for funeral of ‘most famous mother in Origin history’
TEAM TIPS: Souths sweat on fitness of star trio; Panthers young gun rubbed out
‘EVERYONE IS BEATABLE’: Rabbitohs ‘job not done’ as Kangaroos audition awaits
Kikau will depart the foot of the mountain after this season and the Panthers are heavy favourites to take out the premiership for a second-year running.
The 27-year-old said Cleary’s men block out the “outside noise”, but Kikau won’t have forgotten the moment Jai Arrow was ready to go to war.
“We just focus on ourselves and that’s been one of the big things we’ve been doing the last couple of years. It has been working,” Kikau said.
“Everyone puts their egos aside and work hard on preparing. It’s just a new week and it doesn’t change this week.”
Kikau collected Arrow high with his very first carry of the contest in last year’s grand final, and he later failed a HIA.
When exiting the field, Arrow called out his Penrith rival and that feud is set for another chapter as both the Panthers and Rabbitohs try to book a grand final appearance.
Get all the latest NRL news, highlights and analysis delivered straight to your inbox with Fox Sports Sportmail. Sign up now!!
