Melbourne Storm's coach Craig Bellamy has delivered a heartfelt tribute to Tui Kamikamica, who was compelled to retire from the NRL on Thursday, effective immediately. Before the Storm's match against the Panthers, emotional scenes unfolded as Kamikamica received a guard of honour while entering the field with his son Junior.
Players from the Storm embraced the Fijian forward as they moved together through the tunnel onto the field. The 32-year-old received an enthusiastic welcome from the crowd at AAMI Park. This season, Kamikamica has not yet played due to a stroke he suffered during pre-season, which led to the discovery of a heart defect that required heart and brain surgery.
He had aspirations to return and lead Fiji at the World Cup in October as well as potentially continue playing next season. However, recent medical advice led him to make the difficult decision to retire, concluding an 11-year career during which he played 142 games and secured championships in 2017 and 2020.
After Melbourne's 22-14 defeat on Thursday, Bellamy spoke highly of Kamikamica, calling him an exceptional clubman with an immense heart. "What he's done for the club in the time he's been here, that would be very, very hard to repeat. Everyone loves him," Bellamy noted. "That's not just me, it's everyone in the club."
Bellamy expressed his pride in coaching Kamikamica, saying, "Every time he laced his boots on and went out and played, he'd give it his all." He added, "I haven't worked with too many better people in the game than Tui."
An emotional Kamikamica announced his retirement with pride earlier on Thursday. "I'm incredibly proud of everything I've been able to achieve in the game, representing Storm and captaining my country," he stated. "Melbourne Storm has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years." Kamikamica expressed gratitude to the club, teammates, coaches, and staff for their support throughout his career. He concluded, "To play for Storm and captain Fiji are memories I'll cherish forever."