Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica charged following incident in Brisbane
The NRL is facing another off-field drama with the Melbourne Storm standing down forward Tui Kamikamica after he was charged by police in Brisbane.
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The Melbourne Storm have stood down forward Tui Kamikamica after he was charged with assaulting a woman he did not know in the heart of Brisbane’s night-life precinct.
Queensland Police confirmed they had charged a 27-year-old man on Thursday with assault occasioning bodily harm following an incident outside a hotel in Fortitude Valley on November 13.
The Storm were only made aware of the charges on Thursday afternoon and immediately informed the NRL Integrity Unit.
Kamikamica will remain stood down until at least next week when he is due to face Storm hierarchy in a face-to-face sit down.
It’s understood the charge falls below the threshold for Kamikamica to be automatically stood down under the NRL’s no-fault policy, however the governing body can use its discretionary powers depending on the circumstances.
The Storm forward, who still remains in Queensland, is due to appear in court on January 10.
“Police will allege the man assaulted a 30-year-old woman, who was not known to him, outside an Ann Street business,” a police statement said.
“On November 25, following an investigation, he was issued with a Notice to Appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 10, 2022.”
In a statement, the Storm said there was no place in society for violence against women.
“Due to the seriousness of the allegations, the club made the decision to stand down Kamikamica, pending his plea in response to the allegations, the NRL Integrity Unit investigation and the club concluding a formal, in-person interview with Kamikamica, who remains out of state. This will take place next week,” the Storm statement read.
“Storm believes firmly that there is no place in the game or society for violence against women at any time, in any circumstance.
“The club will not make further comment until it has been advised of Kamikamica’s plea and
conducted further enquiries.”
The NRL was awaiting an official report from the Storm and was preparing the Integrity Unit to launch its own investigation.
Senior Storm players are yet to return to pre-season training in Melbourne following their 2021 finals run.
Kamikamica is contracted to the Storm for next season, and the club has an option in its favour to extend his deal for 2023.
Fijian-born Kamikamica made his NRL debut in Round 5, 2017 for Melbourne against Penrith. Since then he has played 55 career games, including 22 appearances last season.
He was part of the Storm team that was beaten 10-6 in the preliminary final by eventual premiers the Panthers.
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Originally published as Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica charged following incident in Brisbane
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