Tui Kamikamica announces retirement

Author: melbournestorm.com.au
Timestamp: Thu 20 Aug 2026, 09:59 AM

Melbourne Storm has confirmed the retirement of long-serving prop and Fijian captain Tui Kamikamica, effective immediately on medical grounds.

Kamikamica finishes his rugby league career with 142 NRL appearances for Melbourne Storm and 23 Test matches for the Fiji Bati.

Storm Player #181, Kamikamica has been a mainstay of Craig Bellamy’s squad since making his NRL debut in Round 5, 2017. 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 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.

Reflecting on his career, Kamikamica said he was proud to finish his playing journey as a Melbourne Storm player and Fijian Captain.

“I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve in the game, representing Storm and captaining my country.

“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.”

Storm Football Director Frank Ponissi said Kamikamica would be remembered as much for his character and leadership as his achievements on the field.

“Tui has been a fantastic player for us, but more importantly, he’s been a fantastic person,” Ponissi said.

“He came into our system as a young man and developed into an important member of our team, a leader and someone his teammates could always rely on.

“To play 142 games for this Club and captain Fiji is a terrific achievement and something Tui should be incredibly proud of. We’re going to miss having him around the team, but he can look back on his career knowing he gave everything he had to his Club, teammates and country.”

Storm CEO Justin Rodski paid tribute to Kamikamica’s outstanding contribution to the Club.

“Tui has given an enormous amount to Melbourne Storm over the past decade and leaves the Club with the respect and admiration of everyone who has had the privilege of working alongside him,” Rodski said.

“He has been an outstanding player, teammate and leader, but above all else, Tui is a wonderful person who has always put his teammates and the Club first.

“His contribution to our two Premiership teams in 2017 and 2020, his leadership within our playing group and his commitment to representing Fiji are all testament to the character of the man.

“While we are disappointed to see Tui’s playing career come to an end, we thank him for everything he has given to Melbourne Storm and wish Tui and his family all the very best for the next chapter of his life.”

Tui Kamikamica - Storm Player #181