Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica, aged 31, is recovering in hospital following a suspected stroke that struck early Monday morning. The Fijian international had featured off the bench for the Storm in their 28-24 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday night.
Club Confirms Medical Episode
The Melbourne Storm issued a statement confirming the forward’s hospitalization. Kamikamica experienced the medical episode at his Melbourne home overnight, prompting his partner to call an ambulance. He now receives top-tier care from hospital specialists, with support from the club’s medical team.
Kamikamica’s Impressive NRL Journey
Since breaking into first grade with the Storm in 2017, Kamikamica has appeared in 142 matches, scoring 11 tries. The powerhouse forward debuted in round five against Penrith after earlier stints with Wentworthville Magpies, feeder club for Parramatta Eels, and Queensland’s Sunshine Coast Falcons. He moved to Australia in 2013 and has earned 22 caps for Fiji since 2016.
Ongoing Health Concerns in Rugby League
This incident follows Storm coach Craig Bellamy’s concerns over teammate Eli Katoa’s future. The two-time Dally M Second Rower of the Year underwent emergency brain surgery last year after three head knocks in 90 minutes during Tonga’s Pacific Championships match against New Zealand, including one in warm-up. Katoa needed oxygen after seizure activity.
Bellamy recently updated: “He’s doing really well at the moment. I don’t know if he’ll play next year. I don’t know if he’ll play again. The doctors haven’t made that decision, and I don’t know when that decision will get made.”
