Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica recovering after suffering suspected stroke

Melbourne Storm have been rocked by another health scare with forward Tui Kamikamica hospitalised following a suspected stroke.

The 31-year-old suffered the medical episode on Monday morning.

The NRL powerhouse said he has already undergone treatment and is now recovering in hospital.

“Tui is receiving the best possible care and is being supported by hospital specialists, alongside the club’s medical staff,” the Storm said.

“The club asks that Tui’s privacy is respected at this time.

“Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

Kamikamica’s immediate playing future is unclear.

He played 25 minutes off the bench in Melbourne’s narrow loss to North Queensland in Townsville on Saturday.

He has appeared in all four games so far this season, running big metres in 45 minutes of game time in each of the first two rounds before laying 20 tackles in 29 minutes against Brisbane in Round 3.

Kamikamica, who has a young son also called Tui, was linked to the UK Super League before signing a deal to remain with Melbourne for the 2026 season.

With Nelson Asofa-Solomona leaving the club to pursue a boxing career, he has become a linchpin in the Storm’s forward pack.

Kamikamica debuted in 2017 and broke out as a regular in 2019, before he missed the 2020 premiership at the end of a season cruelled by a back injury.

He played in the 2024 and 2025 grand final defeats to Penrith and Brisbane respectively.

Fiji captain Kamikamica’s medical episode comes with Storm teammate Eli Katoa sidelined and his career under threat following serious brain injuries suffered while playing for Tonga late last year.

Katoa had bleeding on the brain and required surgery following a series of head knocks.

Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy last week told Channel 7’s The Agenda Setters that Katoa is “doing really well at the moment” but concerns remain for his long-term future and health.

“I don’t know if he’ll play next year, I don’t know if he’ll play again,” Bellamy said.

“The doctors haven’t made that decision, and I don’t know when that decision will get made to be quite honest.

“I imagine after a certain amount of time he’ll have more tests and go from there.

“It was a major injury, and we want him to live the rest of his life in a normal way, so fingers crossed.

“But we’d love to have him back playing footy and playing with us. He was one hell of a player.

“Last year he won our player of the year.”

Meanwhile, winger Will Warbrick’s move to the Warriors was confirmed on Monday weeks after speculation first emerged.

The former New Zealand Olympic rugby sevens medallist will see out the 2026 season with Melbourne before heading home on a three-year deal.

Warriors coach Andrew Webster said it is a “huge” signing for the club.

“He’ll be a terrific asset on the wing with his height, pace, aerial ability at both ends of the field, his work rate and attitude. He also comes out of a great system at the Storm,” Webster said.

In a Storm statement Warbrick said he was “extremely grateful” for the club’s support.

“I’ve loved representing Storm and wearing the purple jersey, the club has played a huge role in my development as a person, both on and off the field,” he said.

“I appreciate their understanding and respect around my decision to return to New Zealand for family reasons.

“My full focus now is doing everything I can to contribute to the team and ensuring we live up to the standards and goals we set for 2026.”

Melbourne boss Justin Rodski said the club “fully respects” Warbrick’s decision to return to New Zealnd.

“Will has been a fantastic Storm person since making the switch to rugby league in 2022. His athleticism, professionalism and willingness to learn the game quickly has been a real asset to the club,” Rodski said.

“While we’re disappointed to see Will leave at the end of the year, we fully respect his decision to return to New Zealand and be closer to his family and wider community.

“We know he’ll give everything to the purple jersey for the remainder of the 2026 season, and we look forward to his continued impact.”