Melbourne Storm front-rower Tui Kamikamica is unlikely to return to the NRL this season after suffering a setback at training.

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On the comeback trail from a health setback that saw him suffer a stroke, AAP reports that he suffered a regression at training last week, which was later confirmed by a club official.

While he is set to spend the remainder of the season on the sidelines, he remains hopeful of captaining the Fijian national team at this year’s Rugby League World Cup, which will be held in Australia.

During his time on the sidelines, it is understood that he has been recovering alongside back-rower Eli Katoa, who is not only his teammate but also one of his closest friends.

“Eli was the first one to come to the hospital,” the front-rower told Australian Associated Press.

“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.”

Tui Kamikamica.Source: Supplied Source Known

SHARKS EXTEND YOUNG FORWARD

The Cronulla Sharks have handed young forward Felix Fa’atili his maiden full-time NRL after successfully progressing through the club’s pathways system.

Joining the Sharks in 2023 as a member of their Under-19s SG Ball Cup squad, he has continued to rise through the ranks, resulting in him being rewarded with a two-year extension for the 2027 and 2028 seasons.

Making 21 appearances for the side’s Under-21s Jersey Flegg Cup team last season, he has now become a cornerstone of the club’s reserve-grade forward pack at the Newtown Jets.

“I’m excited and grateful to have this opportunity to extend my time here at the Sharks,” Fa’atili said.

“I’m really looking forward to the rest of this year and then to the next two seasons.

“I’ve learnt so much already from the senior players, from Fitzy and the NRL staff, as well as from all the coaches I’ve had at the Sharks along the way and I’m hoping I can continue to improve and to be good enough to play in the NRL.”

Felix Fa’atili.Source: The Daily Telegraph

Originally from Christchurch in New Zealand, Fa’atili was recruited by the Brisbane Broncos and spent his early years with their feeder club Wynnum Manly Seagulls and attended Wavell High School before making the move to the Shire.

“Felix has adapted well to the increased demands of senior football in the NSW Cup after progressing through our pathway, and we see significant upside in his continued development,” Sharks GM of Football Darren Mooney said.

“He possesses strong natural attributes, particularly his footwork and leg speed, which give him genuine attacking impact.

“With continued hard work and progression, we’re confident he has the potential to step up to the NRL in the future.”

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TITANS HAND EXCITING TALENT MAIDEN NRL DEAL

The Gold Coast Titans have decided to hand an exciting talent his maiden NRL deal as they continue to invest in their future.

Preparing to play in the 2026 Under-19s State of Origin match on Thursday, where he will represent the Queensland Maroons, Tyler Pereira has been retained until the end of 2029.

This will see him enter the NRL top squad from next season as he continues to develop his talents with his athleticism, work ethic and attacking flair as an outside back.

“Tyler is a player we’ve identified as having enormous potential and we’re thrilled to have him commit to the Titans for the foreseeable future,” Titans Director of Football Scott Sattler said.

“He’s a talented outside back and has consistently shown the qualities we look for in young players coming through our program.

”Getting an opportunity to train with our NRL squad recently has helped him understand what’s required to be a full-time professional player and he’s embraced every challenge that’s been put in front of him as he continues his development in our system.

“One of our main priorities as a club is ensuring our best young players see a future here on the Gold Coast and our pathways team of Matt Keating, Nathan Small and Todd Carney have ensured our players continue to receive high quality, consistent coaching.

”Tyler is another great example of our program and the positive effect it’s having on our players. We’re excited for him to remain a Titan until the end of the 2029 season.“