The Fiji Bati’s campaign at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup later this year has been dealt a tough blow with the sudden retirement of captain Tui Kamikamica.
The 32-year-old announced his immediate retirement on medical grounds on Thursday.
His club, Melbourne Storm, confirmed the retirement of their long-serving prop, who ends his rugby league career with 142 National Rugby League appearances and 23 Test matches for the Fiji Bati.
Kamikamica has not been able to recover fully from a stroke he suffered on 30 March, two days after he had played for the Storms against North Queensland Cowboys.
He needed emergency surgery to remove a blood clot in his brain, followed by surgery to repair a small hole in his heart.
Fiji National Rugby League (FNRL) board chairman Rajesh Singh said the news has come as a shock to them but he supported Kamikamica’s call.
“His health and life is far more important than anything else,” Singh said.
“We are saddened he can not play for us at the world cup but we support his call and think of him as well.
“We wish him all the best and continue to ask for prayers that he will be able to recover fully.”
Singh said Kamikamica was included in their initial 40-member squad submitted to the International Rugby League, with hopes that the player would be able to play by October.
Kamikamica said to play for Storm and captain Fiji are memories he will cherish forever.
Facebook / Pasifika Rugby League
Melbourne Storm said in a statement on Thursday that Kamikamica, the Storm Player #181, has been a mainstay of Craig Bellamy’s squad since making his NRL debut in Round 5, of the 2017 season.
“He became a member of the Club’s Leadership Group in 2025 and was inducted as Storm Life Member #44 on Monday night, recognising a decade of outstanding service and contribution to the Club,” the club said.
“The 32-year-old arrived in Australia from Fiji in 2013, initially joining Parramatta’s U20s before a brief stint in rugby union. He joined Melbourne in 2016 from Sunshine Coast Falcons and went on to become a powerful and consistent member of Storm’s forward pack.
“Throughout his time at the Club, Kamikamica played 15 NRL Finals games for Storm, including the 2024 and 2025 NRL Grand Finals, and was valued squad member during the Club’s 2017 and 2020 NRL Premiership-winning seasons.
“A respected leader on and off the field, Kamikamica leaves an enduring legacy with Fiji Bati, having captained his country since 2023, with 23 International appearances to his name.”
Kamikamica said in the same statement grateful to the Storm for believing in him and giving him the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve in the game, representing Storm and captaining my country,” the former Queen Victoria School student said.
“Melbourne Storm has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years. I’m so grateful to the Club, my teammates, coaches, staff and everyone who has supported me and my family throughout my rugby league career.
“To play for Storm and captain Fiji are memories I’ll cherish forever. I want to thank everyone at Storm for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to play at the highest level.
“Melbourne will always be a special place for me and my family and I’m looking forward to my next chapter in life.”
