This week, the Melbourne Storm faced a moment that transcended the game they love.
As the team strives to overcome recent disappointments with back-to-back losses, news of Tui Kamikamica's stroke brought a somber reflection among the players.
The 31-year-old Fijian athlete suffered a stroke on Monday and was quickly admitted to the hospital, where he continues to recover.
Teammates rallied around him, with several visiting him at the hospital, including fellow player Will Warbrick.
"Once I heard the news about it I went straight away to the hospital," Warbrick shared, having scored four tries in a recent match against North Queensland.
"When I first found out I was a little bit emotional and a bit rattled to be honest."
Both Warbrick and teammate Josh King provided encouraging updates regarding Kamikamica's condition, although the full implications for his health and future in the sport remain uncertain.
"After seeing him the first thing he said to me was a joke so he was in good spirits in what was a difficult situation for him," Warbrick noted.
"He's in good spirits and he's up sort of walking around a bit and talking so that's really positive," King added. "I'm not sure of the extent of everything at the moment."