Tui Kamikamica cops monster punishment for ‘bringing game into disrepute’

The NRL has proposed a hefty suspension and fine for a Melbourne Storm star, saying he brought the game into disrepute last year.

Tui Kamikamica can return to play in round 10. Picture: AAP Image/Scott Barbour

The NRL has hit Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica with a nine-match ban and $10,000 fine in the wake of his assault trial despite charges being dismissed by the Brisbane Magistrates Court.

After police charged Kamikamica with assaulting a 30-year-old woman outside a Fortitude Valley establishment in November last year, he became subject to the NRL’s no-fault stand-down policy and was unavailable for selection in games.

Charges were dropped on April 27, but the NRL obtained footage of the alleged incident and proposed its own sanctions on Wednesday.

The NRL said Kamikamica brought the game into disrepute and that his actions could not go unpunished.

“Following the conclusion of the criminal proceedings, the NRL has reviewed available CCTV footage of the incident which showed Kamikamica in a physical altercation with a female member of the public,” the league said in a statement.

“Any form of violence against women will not be tolerated by the NRL.”

Tui Kamikamica has been suspended and fined by the NRL. Picture: AAP Image/Scott Barbour

The NRL has proposed a nine-match ban and $10,000 fine, with $5000 suspended pending the completion of “mandatory personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs with NRL Wellbeing & Education”.

In determining Kamikamica’s suspension, the NRL took time already served into account, meaning he will be available for selection in round 10’s blockbuster clash with the Penrith Panthers.

Kamikamica has made 55 appearances for the Storm. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Kamikamica wrote a statement apologising for his behaviour that the Melbourne Storm shared online on Wednesday afternoon.

The 27-year-old described his behaviour on November 13 as “unacceptable” and revealed he had been undergoing counselling in the aftermath of the incident.

“Late last year while out with my family and friends, I was involved in an altercation and acted in an unacceptable way,” he said,

“I would like to publicly apologise for my behaviour.

“I am grateful today the charges against me have been withdrawn, but importantly, I want to reiterate that I am completely opposed to violence and in particular any form of violence towards women.

“During my time stood down from playing, I have reflected on my behaviour and undertaken independent counselling to ensure I am never in this position again.”

Originally published as Tui Kamikamica cops monster punishment for ‘bringing game into disrepute’