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Melbourne Storm prop and Fiji captain Tui Kamikamica has retired on medical grounds after specialists advised him to end his playing career following a stroke earlier this year.
Melbourne Storm forward and Fiji captain Tui Kamikamica has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby league, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the NRL club. Melbourne Storm confirmed the decision on Thursday, 20 August 2026, saying the 32-year-old had retired on medical grounds following specialist medical advice.
Kamikamica's retirement follows a serious medical episode earlier this year. He suffered a stroke in March and has not played since Melbourne's Round 4 match against the North Queensland Cowboys on 28 March. Although he had returned to some light training and had hoped to make a playing comeback, further medical advice ultimately led to the decision to end his career.
The veteran forward had been hoping to return to the field during the 2026 season and had also targeted the 2026 Rugby League World Cup with Fiji. He had captained the Fiji Bati since 2023 and was hoping to lead his country again before the latest medical advice changed those plans.
Kamikamica finishes his Melbourne Storm career with 142 NRL appearances and 23 international matches for Fiji. He made his NRL debut for the Storm in 2017 and became an important part of the club's forward pack and leadership group. He was also part of Melbourne's 2017 and 2020 premiership-winning squads.
His career also included appearances in the 2024 and 2025 NRL Grand Finals, underlining his importance to the club during some of its most competitive recent seasons. He was inducted as a Melbourne Storm Life Member earlier this week, recognising his decade of service and contribution to the organisation.
Kamikamica said he was proud of everything he achieved with Melbourne and Fiji. He thanked his teammates, coaches, staff, supporters and family, while describing his time playing for the Storm and captaining Fiji as memories he would always cherish.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski praised Kamikamica's leadership, character and commitment to the club. The Storm said his contribution extended beyond his performances on the field, highlighting his role as a teammate and leader over many years.
The retirement is a significant change for Melbourne as the club prepares for the remainder of the 2026 season and looks toward 2027. Kamikamica's departure also ends his hopes of representing Fiji at this year's World Cup. Fiji will now need to consider alternative leadership options for the tournament.
Kamikamica's career comes to an end with a substantial legacy at both club and international level. His 142 Storm appearances, two premiership-winning campaigns and leadership of Fiji have made him an important figure in modern Fijian and Melbourne rugby league.
MelbourneStormFijiKamikamicaClub
Melbourne Storm forward and Fiji captain Tui Kamikamica has announced his immediate retirement from professional rugby league, bringing an end to a decade-long career with the NRL club. Melbourne Storm confirmed the decision on Thursday, 20 August 2026, saying the 32-year-old had retired on medical grounds following specialist medical advice.
Kamikamica's retirement follows a serious medical episode earlier this year. He suffered a stroke in March and has not played since Melbourne's Round 4 match against the North Queensland Cowboys on 28 March. Although he had returned to some light training and had hoped to make a playing comeback, further medical advice ultimately led to the decision to end his career.
The veteran forward had been hoping to return to the field during the 2026 season and had also targeted the 2026 Rugby League World Cup with Fiji. He had captained the Fiji Bati since 2023 and was hoping to lead his country again before the latest medical advice changed those plans.
Kamikamica finishes his Melbourne Storm career with 142 NRL appearances and 23 international matches for Fiji. He made his NRL debut for the Storm in 2017 and became an important part of the club's forward pack and leadership group. He was also part of Melbourne's 2017 and 2020 premiership-winning squads.
His career also included appearances in the 2024 and 2025 NRL Grand Finals, underlining his importance to the club during some of its most competitive recent seasons. He was inducted as a Melbourne Storm Life Member earlier this week, recognising his decade of service and contribution to the organisation.
Kamikamica said he was proud of everything he achieved with Melbourne and Fiji. He thanked his teammates, coaches, staff, supporters and family, while describing his time playing for the Storm and captaining Fiji as memories he would always cherish.
Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodski praised Kamikamica's leadership, character and commitment to the club. The Storm said his contribution extended beyond his performances on the field, highlighting his role as a teammate and leader over many years.
The retirement is a significant change for Melbourne as the club prepares for the remainder of the 2026 season and looks toward 2027. Kamikamica's departure also ends his hopes of representing Fiji at this year's World Cup. Fiji will now need to consider alternative leadership options for the tournament.
Kamikamica's career comes to an end with a substantial legacy at both club and international level. His 142 Storm appearances, two premiership-winning campaigns and leadership of Fiji have made him an important figure in modern Fijian and Melbourne rugby league.
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