Melbourne Storm prop Tui Kamikamica heads into the first grand final of his career on Sunday with a fierce desire to make his family and his homeland proud. The Fijian giant has been coming off the bench since the last time the Storm played the Panthers in Round 24 but will move into the starting side in the decider after the suspension of Nelson Asofa-Solomona.
As he goes in search of a premiership ring in his eighth season with the club, Kamikamica is ready to embody the 'next man up' mentality on the grand stage. "For me growing up in Fiji, to be here in this moment is a pretty good achievement," he said. "Making my family proud back on the islands. Every time I go out there, I want to make them proud. Not just my family, but as a nation, because I’m Fijian and I play rugby league here at the highest level." The 30-year-old captained his country at last year’s Pacific Championships and looks set to do the same in 2024.
A Legacy of Fijian Stars
The Storm have a proud history of Fijian stars donning the purple jersey, from dual premiership winner Suliasi Vunivalu to blockbusting winger Marika Koroibete and 2012 grand final winner Sisa Waqa. "All those guys I remember. When I came here in 2016, there was a couple of Fijians here," he said. "I’m the only Fijian here at the moment. It’s up there to keep on making my family proud back on the islands and enjoy the moment."
Family Support in the Stands
His mother and sister will be flying over from Fiji for the occasion. They will join his wife and young son, who were watching on proudly during the Storm’s 48-18 preliminary final win over the Roosters. "I saw them during the warm-up," Kamikamica said. "He’s my first boy, and he’s named after me. To see him having a smile on his face – he’s only eight months old, but it’s a moment we will cherish forever, when he’s getting old. Now we’re off to the big dance now, so hopefully we get the job done on Sunday."
Focus on the Fundamentals
Kamikamica said that he would focus on the simple things in the decider to help his team get over the line. "I just want to focus on my role as a forward," he said. "It’s a simple game plan, but those effort areas and things like that. Especially for these big games, I’m more focused on the little things – the big things will take care of themselves. I’m just looking forward to the game because this is it. This is what we train for when we come into preseason, it’s what you work hard for during the year, and now we’re finally here. We just have to focus on what we can control, and then we just go from there."
A Moment of Pride
Kamikamica's journey to the NRL Grand Final is a testament to his dedication and talent. His determination to make his family and nation proud is an inspiration, and his performance in the decider will be watched with keen interest by Fijian rugby league fans around the world. The grand final is set to be a thrilling encounter, and Kamikamica’s presence in the starting lineup adds another layer of intrigue to the match. The Storm will be looking to him to provide the power and aggression in the forward pack, while he will be determined to leave his mark on the grand stage. His performance could be the key to the Storm's victory, and his family and nation will be cheering him on every step of the way.
