Kamikamica raring to play at home
TWELVE years ago, Melbourne Storm prop Tui Kamikamica was part of the Queen Victoria School under-18 team that won the prestigious Deans Trophy at Lautoka’s Churchill Park against Ratu Navula College.
This time around, the Taveuni, Somosomo native is returning to play in a pre-season trial match with his NRL club.
Kamikamica was scouted by the Paramatta Eels rugby club after the Deans final in 2012 and made a switch to rugby league at a young age.
A decision he did not regret, the 29-year-old has proven himself after being given the captain’s role in the Pacific Championship for the Fiji Bati last year.
He was also announced as part of the six-man leadership group for the Melbourne Storm in 2024.
While speaking to the media on Tuesday, Kamikamica said he was looking forward to play in front of his family and friends.
“Last time I played in front of them was 12 years ago,” he said.
“I can’t wait to see them come and watch us play on Saturday.”
Kamikamica said when the announcement was made for his club to play a NRL trial match in Fiji, he was overjoyed.
“It is such a huge occasion for myself when I heard the club was going to bring a game to Fiji.
“And when it was announced last year, I could not stop the smile on my face because being a Fijian, I know how we love rugby.
“This is the first time for a National Rugby League to be played in our homeland with two quality teams.
“And heaps of superstars that will be playing on Saturday will boost the young children in Fiji.
“If they want to make it to the NRL, this is the time for them to come and support their team.”
Kamikamica said for the team to prepare well against the Penrith Panthers in the first round, they needed to play well against the Knights.
“We are expecting a tough game, obviously this is our last trial game before we play our run-on game against Panthers.
“The Newcastle Knights are putting on their best team and so are we.
“There will be some of our young boys that will be playing their first NRL game. So, we are looking forward to that.”
He said the trial game was a good start to hosting a NRL match in Fiji.
Kamikamica has been named in the starting lineup against the Storms and will play alongside prominent players such as Ryan Papenhuyzen, Jahrome Hughes and Will Warbrick.
MELBOURNE Storm prop Tui Kamikamica says he cannot wait to play in front of his family and friends in the pre-season trial match against the Newcastle Knights at Churchill Park in Lautoka on Saturday.
Kamikamica, who was scouted by the Paramatta Eels Rugby Club after the Deans final in 2012 and made a switch to rugby league at a young age, said when the announcement was made for his club to play a NRL trial match in Fiji, he was overjoyed.
“It was such a huge occasion for myself when I heard the club was going to bring a game to Fiji.
“And when it was announced last year, I could not stop the smile on my face because being a Fijian, I know how we love rugby.”