Bellamy’s high praise for ‘best clubman ever’ after stroke forced retirement
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has described Tui Kamikamica as the best clubman he’s ever seen after it was announced he will retire effective immediately on medical grounds.
Kamikamica, who was a vital part of the Storm’s grand final team in 2025, had a stroke in March and has not played a game since.
Tui Kamikamica will retire immediately. Getty
He finishes his career with 142 NRL appearances for Melbourne Storm and 23 Test matches for Fiji, who he captained.
“I’m incredibly proud of everything I’ve been able to achieve in the game, representing Storm and captaining my country,” Kamikamica said.
“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.”
The Storm played against Penrith the evening after it was announced Kamikamica has retired.
In his post-match, press conference, Bellamy was full of praise for the forward.
“He’s been great for us, he’s obviously a wonderful player but even more than that he’s a great clubman and a great person and what he’s done for our club in the time he’s been here, that will be very hard to repeat,” he said.
“Everyone loves him, that’s not just me, that’s everyone in the club because he’s such a genuine and decent guy.
“The other thing is every time he laced his boots up and played he gave it his all, he’s been the best clubman I’ve ever seen, coaching and playing, I couldn’t give him a better wrap than that. I’m honoured to have been his coach.
“I’ve got to know Tui as a player and a man as well, and I haven’t worked with too many better people in the game as Tui.”
Kamikamica hasn’t played a game since March 28 after the Storm lost to the North Queensland Cowboys. Two days after that game he suffered a stroke.
After receiving treatment at Royal Melbourne Hospital and being discharged a week later, the 32-year-old’s future was under a cloud.
Tui Kamikamica leads the Storm onto the field. Getty Images
The prop has been a mainstay member of Bellamy’s side since 2017, and was part of the grand final teams in 2017 and 2020.
“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,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said.
“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.”
Melbourne is currently sitting in 11th place on the NRL ladder, and will miss the finals for only the second time in Bellamy’s coaching career.
