Bulldogs track down Viliame Kikau photo leaker after $3.2m coup

The Canterbury Bulldogs have reportedly worked quickly after the embarrassing photo leak but the drama has raised more than only a blame game.

Kikau's move was announced earlier than hoped for the Panthers and Bulldogs. Photo: Getty Images and Twitter

The Canterbury Bulldogs have reportedly identified the source at the heart of an embarrassing viral leak after Panthers star Viliame Kikau joined the club from 2023.

The Bulldogs launched an investigation after an image of the Penrith premiership star wearing a Bulldogs shirt alongside Bulldogs head of football Phil Gould and head coach Trent Barrett went viral over social media.

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Questions were asked whether it was the Bulldogs actively trying to destabilise the Panthers on the eve of the premiership parade in Penrith on Saturday or if it was a true leak from the club.

The question was quickly answered as the Bulldogs promised to investigate how the photo was taken from a club security camera and issued an apology to the Panthers.

The SMH reported last week the Bulldogs had no intention of making the photo with Kikau public and that the two clubs had reached an agreement to make the announcement about Kikau’s future after the premiership parade had been held.

The news came out before the parade and saw a small minority of fans boo the rampaging second rower. Teammate Jarome Luai also trolled Kikau on the bus.

But Kikau didn’t lose trophy privileges. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

After the photo leak, Gould took to social media to apologise for the photo leak.

“I called @PenrithPanthers club today to apologise for the inappropriate leaking of images, taken from security cameras, at Canterbury Leagues,” Gould wrote. “It was not our doing, nor ever our intention, for such images to become public. Out of our control. Apologies to Panther players, fans.”

But a report from The Daily Telegraph said that a male staff member had been brought in for disciplinary meetings with club management and HR on Monday.

Newscorp also contacted Gould asking if he was “filthy”, which he replied: “Understatement...”

On SEN, rugby league reporter Michelle Bishop said the Bulldogs were currently getting legal advice.

“The Dogs are obviously seeking legal advice at the moment,” Bishop said on SEN 1170 Breakfast.

“(The employee) was apparently watching the club’s CCTV, took a screen grab and passed it on to a mate.

“It went viral and caused a fair bit of embarrassment for the club.”

Proof the Bulldogs have their man from left, Phil Gould, Viliame Kikau and Canterbury NRL coach Trent Barrett. Source: Twitter

Bishop added that it had been described as a breach of trust at the club.

“Aaron Warburton, John Khoury and Phil Gould are all about honesty and integrity at the club,” Bishop said.

“If they can’t have that (trust) internally, then they’ll have to move that individual on.”

Kikau, whose deal from 2023 for the Bulldogs is reported at $3.2 million over four years, took to Instagram in an attempt to clear the air on the eve of the parade.

“Today photos were taken of me wearing another club’s colours,” Kikau wrote.

“Me and my manager were told the photos wouldn’t become public until the appropriate time.

“I am very disappointed that didn’t happen and regret the upset it has caused.

“I want the Panthers fans to know I remain fully committed to our club and the team for the upcoming season.

“I can’t wait to celebrate our premiership with you.”