Storm forward Tui Kamikamica appears to have played his last game in the NRL this season after the Storm revealed a “setback” for the Fijian in his recovery from a stroke. If confirmed, he would become the third Storm player ruled out for the remainder of the season in a cruel new blow for Craig Bellamy‘s side. The Melbourne mentor was also recently diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disorder in a difficult year for the club.
Kamikamica underwent brain and heart surgery in March after suffering a stroke at his home in Melbourne that left the big middle forward temporarily unable to speak or move. But it looked like he was closing in on an NRL comeback in recent days after being temporarily cleared by a brain specialist to return to action.
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy (R) has been dealt a fresh blow amid reports veteran forward Tui Kamikamica (L, centre) could be his third player ruled out for the rest of the season. Pic: Getty
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However, the Storm revealed that the 32-year-old suffered a regression at training last week, and warned that it could now be months before he’s cleared to make a comeback. Melbourne officials have reportedly rated him as a “touch-and-go” prospect to play again for the club this season, meaning he could be the third player after Eli Katoa (brain surgery) and Xavier Coates (Achilles) to be ruled out for the rest of 2026.
Complicating matters is the fact Kamikamica is off contract at the end of this season, meaning he may not get another opportunity to convince the club to offer him an extension. The Fijian captain may now be eyeing a return to lead his nation at the Rugby League World Cup later this year, with fans wishing the veteran a speedy recovery.
Rugby league account The Mole wrote: “Terribly sad that Tui Kamikamica has had a setback in his recovery from a stroke. Like Eli Katoa his future is now very much in doubt. Hope he can get over it.” Another fan wrote in response to the Storm forward’s situation: “Damn. Wishing him all the best,” alongside a number of love heart emojis.
Eli Katoa a rock for sidelined Storm teammate
Kamikamica has been spending his time in recovery alongside Katoa, who confirmed this week that he was targeting a return from brain surgery next year. Katoa was ruled out of the entire 2026 season after suffering three head knocks playing for Tonga at the end of last year.
He’s undergone an extensive series of ongoing medical checks and tests, and hopes to be cleared for a comeback in 2027. And Kamikamica says having Katoa alongside him for support as he goes through his own challenging health battle has been incredible.
Eli Katoa (L) has been a rock of support for sidelined Storm teammate Tui Kamikamica (R) as they both recover from serious health scares. Pic: Getty
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“Eli was the first one to come to the hospital,” Kamikamica told AAP. “He’s been right here since day one in rehab together, we’re pretty much riding the same road.
“They’re long days, and when you have someone, a great mate, you can talk to them, and especially he has his experience as well. “He pretty much knows how we feel, so for him to be there, like, giving me company and stuff, that’s really good for me, with my health as well.”