The Melbourne Storm’s football operations chief, Frank Ponissi, has shared encouraging news regarding Tui Kamikamica’s potential return, quelling concerns that the talented prop might not play in the NRL again.
Kamikamica was recently discharged from the Royal Melbourne Hospital after experiencing what was initially suspected to be a stroke. He is now undergoing treatment at a rehabilitation facility.
The Storm confirmed that Kamikamica had encountered a “medical episode,” leading to uncertainty surrounding his playing future in rugby league.
At 31 years old, the Fijian international has been a vital component of Craig Bellamy’s top squad in recent seasons, amassing 142 appearances since his debut in 2017.
Ponissi has dispelled rumours regarding Kamikamica’s playing prospects.
“Yes, he will be back on the field; we just can’t specify when that will be,” he stated in a video released by the Storm.
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“Given the seriousness of Tui’s condition, we are not going to rush his return.
“He will definitely be back … but he needs to go through extensive rehabilitation and assessments. It’s too early to determine a timeline at this point.”
Tui Kamikamica of the Storm charges forward with the ball. Getty
“He was astonishingly released from the hospital just a couple of days later.
“Currently, he is in rehab and is making significant progress. He is expected to return home (likely) within the next 24 to 48 hours, which is excellent news for him.
“He’s doing everything required for his recovery.”
The Storm are already missing Eli Katoa for the remainder of the season after he underwent surgery for a brain bleed sustained from multiple head knocks during the previous Pacific Championships.
Bellamy remains optimistic that Katoa will be cleared to return as a player in 2027.
This Saturday, the Storm will go head-to-head with the Warriors.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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