NRL: Storm forward Tui Kamikamica in hospital after suspected stroke, club rallies in support

Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica is in hospital and being treated for a suspected stroke, the club has confirmed.

The Fijian‑born 31‑year‑old rugby league star was rushed to hospital on Monday after what the Storm described as a “medical episode”.

“Tui is receiving the best possible care and is being supported by hospital specialists, alongside the NRL club’s medical staff,” the Storm said in a statement.

“The club asks that Tui’s privacy is respected at this time. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

Kamikamica played 25 minutes in the Storm’s 28-24 loss to the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday before falling ill.

Born in Somosomo, Fiji, and a long‑time member of the Storm since his NRL debut in 2017, Kamikamica has become one of the club’s most respected forwards and a leader both in the NRL and for the Fiji national team.

Tui Kamikamica powers through the defence for Melbourne Storm. The Fijian-born forward is currently receiving treatment in hospital for a suspected stroke. Photo/Photosport/AAP/Dave Hunt

He has made 142 appearances for Melbourne and has also represented Fiji more than 20 times at the international level.

The news has drawn an outpouring of support from the rugby league community. Many have taken to social media to send their best wishes for his recovery.

Kamikamica’s rise from a small Fijian community to one of the NRL’s toughest forwards has been a source of pride. His physical presence on the field and his leadership for Fiji have made him a key figure in Pacific rugby league.

It is not yet known how long the Storm star will be sidelined. But his absence adds to a growing list of challenges for the Storm’s forward pack.

Melbourne is already without forward Eliesa "Eli" Katoa, who is out for the season after surgery for bleeding on the brain following head knocks while playing for Tonga last November.

Storm head coach Craig Bellamy has spoken publicly about Katoa’s future, acknowledging the uncertainty around whether the talented second‑rower will ever play again due to the severity of his injury and ongoing recovery.

Katoa, who was one of the NRL’s standout forwards and a key player for both club and country, underwent emergency brain surgery and has been working with the Storm in a mentoring role as part of his rehabilitation.

The Storm sit seventh on the NRL ladder with a 2–2 record after four rounds. They face the Penrith Panthers in Sydney this Friday in what is expected to be a tough match for the depleted Melbourne side.

Club officials have made it clear that player well-being comes first this week, and all focus is on supporting Kamikamica and his family.

Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has expressed concern over the ongoing recovery of his key forwards, including Eli Katoa and Tui Kamikamica. Photo/Photosport/AAP/Steve Markham

“He has undergone treatment for a suspected stroke and is recovering in hospital,” the club’s statement said.

Bellamy has a long history of guiding players through setbacks, and his focus this week will be on morale and recovery rather than Xs and Os.

For Pacific rugby league communities, the news is a reminder that health and wellbeing come first, even for elite athletes.

The hope now is for a full and steady recovery for Kamikamica, whose impact on and off the field has made him a role model for young players in Fiji and across the Pacific.

The club has asked for privacy around Kamikamica’s condition and says updates will be shared when appropriate.