'Memories I'll cherish forever': Tui's Bati pride
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Tui Kamikamica has described his pride at captaining Fiji as announced his immediate retirement on medical grounds after suffering a stroke earlier this year.
Kamikamica, who has not played since Melbourne Storm's Round 4 match against the Cowboys on March 28, had hoped to be able to lead Fiji at Rugby League World Cup 2026.
However, the 32 year-old prop announced his retirement on Thursday.
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," Kamikamica said.
“To play for Storm and captain Fiji are memories I’ll cherish forever."
Viliame Kikau and Api Koroisau are the main captaincy contenders for Fiji’s matches against Cook Islands in Newcastle on October 18, Australia in Townsville on October 25 and New Zealand on Gold Coast on October 31.
“He means a lot, he's captained the side and ... the boys love how he leads. He leads with his actions," Kikau said.
"He's one of probably only two or three of us who were born and bred and raised in Fiji and didn’t come to Australia until we were 18 or 19.
“It is obviously unfortunate what happened to him.”
Fiji backs Sunia Turuva and Jahream Bula said the Bati players remain in close contact during the season and were in shock when they learned that Kamikamica had suffered a stroke.
“He is our skipper and I remember as soon as it happened, Jahream was the first person I called,” Turuva said.
“It is obviously unfortunate what happened to him and just to see what he went through, it would have been pretty crazy for his partner and his kid as well.
“He is definitely our leader, and we have a couple of big dogs there with Api and Kiks and Maika Sivo, as well so we believe we can do things in this World Cup like Samoa and Tonga have done.”
Kamikamica has played 23 Tests for Fiji and 142 NRL matches for the Storm and Bula said he was a role model for younger players in the Bati camp.
Match: Fiji v Cook Islands
Round 1 -
home Team
Fiji
away Team
Cook Islands
Venue: McDonald Jones Stadium, Newcastle
“He is a good bloke, like you can hang out with him and he will take you under his wing,” Bula said.
“For me, just seeing what he is like off the field, he is someone I definitely look up to. He is very professional, he is always stretching every time you go into the team room, he doesn’t eat bad, he looks after his body, so he practices what he preaches.”
Kamikamica was awarded life membership of the Storm earlier this week after returning from a tour of the Papua New Guinea Highlands with former team-mate and Kumuls great Justin Olam.
“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.
Match: Australia v Fiji
Round 2 -
home Team
Australia
away Team
Fiji
Venue: Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane
"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.”
Hooker Api Koroisau, who is one of up to seven Wests Tigers players with Fijian heritage, recently told Nine’s Freddy and the Eighth show: “There is a chance that Tui might play at the end of the year and Caleb Navale as well. He is coming back from an ACL in record time so we’re very excited”.
Wests Tigers team-mates Sunia Turuva and Jahream Bula said the Bati players remain in close contact during the season and were in shock when they learned that Kamikamica had suffered a stroke.
Match: New Zealand v Fiji
Round 3 -
home Team
New Zealand
away Team
Fiji
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Rugby League World Cup 2026 returns to Australia, New Zealand, and Papua New Guinea. Where nations clash, heroes rise, and legends are forged. 3 World Cups. 26 Teams. The World’s Best. Tickets are now on sale from $19. Don’t miss the pinnacle of global Rugby League.
