“Last year I was talking way too much and I feel like when I talk too much, I can’t focus on what I really need to do,” Kikau said.

“So this year, I still want to take that leadership role but I’m just trying to do my job. I talk when I need to, but I don’t need to talk all the time. That’s worked for me.”

Having first been recruited out of Fiji by the Cowboys as a teenager, Kikau considered North Queensland’s interest along with that of St George Illawarra, before the Bulldogs added an extra year to their offer.

“I had to [consider] a lot of areas before I made that decision,” Kikau said. “Obviously I’ve got a little family to look after now and I’ve got family to look after back in the homeland and that’s everything that contributed to my decision.”

With the minor premiership already in Penrith’s keeping, Kikau may well be among several stars expected to be rested for the final round trip to Townsville.

Winger Taylan May is due to appear in Queensland court next Monday to defend assault allegations stemming from an incident during Penrith’s premiership celebrations on the Sunshine Coast last year.

May has been charged with assault occasioning bodily harm, telling the Herald earlier this year he had “stuck up for [Nathan] Cleary” after he was being harassed by a nightclub patron.

May’s hearing had been originally slated for October 19, but due to expected World Cup commitments with Samoa, it has been agreed to bring the matter forward.

Stream the NRL Premiership 2022 live and free on 9Now.