'Pray for Tui'

Fiji National Rugby League chairman Rajesh Singh has called on the nation to pray for Fiji Bati captain Tui Kamikamica who has been hospitalised in Melbourne, Australia, and is undergoing treatment for a suspected stroke.

Speaking to SUNsports yesterday Singh said it was sad but they are wishing Kamikamica a speedy recovery.

“I’m asking the rugby league fraternity in Fiji and abroad to pray for Tui and his family.”

According to Radio New Zealand, Kamikamica played 25 minutes for the Melbourne Storm in their 28-24 loss to the Cowboys on Saturday, and suffered what the club deemed a “medical episode” yesterday morning.

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

“The club asks that Tui’s privacy is respected at this time. Further updates will be provided when appropriate.”

Kamikamica, who captains Fiji at the international level, has been a consistent member of Storm coach Craig Bellamy’s first-choice team in the last few seasons, and was a part of the Storm’s grand final side last year.

The 31-year-old has made 142 appearances for the Storm since making his NRL debut in 2017. He has played 20 or more games in each of the last three seasons. While it is unclear how long Kamikamica will be sidelined, his absence is another hit to an already-depleted Storm forward pack.

Melbourne is already without forward Eli Katoa for the season after he required surgery due to bleeding on the brain following a series of head knocks while playing for Tonga last November. The Storm, currently seventh on the ladder with a 2-2 record through four rounds, face the undefeated Panthers in Sydney on Friday night in Round 5 of the NRL season.