Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica may play his final game for the club in the upcoming NRL Grand Final after being asked to accept a drastic $260,000 pay cut. Currently earning $400,000, the 31-year-old Fijian star has reportedly been offered the league-minimum $140,000 for the 2026 season due to the Storm’s salary cap pressures
Melbourne Storm powerhouse forward Tui Kamikamica may be set to don the purple jersey for the final time in next week’s NRL Grand Final, following reports that the club has asked him to accept a massive $260,000 pay reduction to remain in Melbourne beyond this season.
According to multiple sources close to the situation, the 31-year-old Fijian international — who currently earns around $400,000 per season — has been offered a drastically reduced deal worth just $140,000 for the 2026 campaign. The proposed contract reflects the NRL’s minimum wage, a stunning development for a player who has been a cornerstone of Melbourne’s forward pack in recent years.
Salary Cap Squeeze Hits Storm Hard
The Storm are believed to be wrestling with severe salary cap pressures, with a number of marquee players commanding top-tier contracts. Stars such as Cameron Munster, Jahrome Hughes, Harry Grant, and Ryan Papenhuyzen make up a large portion of the club’s cap space, leaving limited financial room for long-serving veterans like Kamikamica.
Club insiders have reportedly confirmed that Melbourne’s management remains eager to keep Kamikamica within the system but can only do so at a reduced rate. The team’s recruitment staff are said to have been transparent about the financial situation, explaining that the pay cut offer was not performance-based but rather a necessary cap-balancing decision.
A Loyal Servant Facing a Tough Decision
Kamikamica, who joined the Storm system in 2015 and made his NRL debut in 2017, has built a reputation as one of the hardest-working forwards in the league. Known for his tough carries, resilient defence, and unwavering team-first mentality, he has been a vital figure in Melbourne’s success over the years — particularly through injury-hit seasons where depth has been tested.
Now, after nearly a decade of service, the veteran prop faces one of the toughest calls of his career: accept the pay cut to stay or seek a more lucrative opportunity elsewhere. Reports suggest that several rival NRL clubs and even Super League teams in the UK have shown interest in the Fijian forward, who could still command a solid contract abroad.
A source close to Kamikamica said, “Tui has always loved playing for the Storm and has great respect for Craig Bellamy and the club. But at 31, taking such a big pay cut is not an easy decision, especially when he knows he can still offer plenty on the field.”
The Emotional Weight of a Possible Farewell
As the Storm prepare for their Grand Final showdown, emotions in the camp are reportedly running high. Kamikamica, a respected senior figure in the locker room, has kept his focus on helping the team chase another premiership, despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
If this does turn out to be his final appearance for Melbourne, teammates are determined to send him out a champion. Captain Christian Welch recently praised Kamikamica’s contribution, calling him “the ultimate teammate” who always “puts his body on the line for the club.”
Head coach Craig Bellamy, who is himself nearing the twilight of his coaching career, is said to be pushing for Kamikamica to stay but understands the financial realities. “We’d love to keep Tui,” Bellamy reportedly told club insiders. “He’s been outstanding for us — not just on the field but as a person. But the salary cap is brutal, and sometimes these things happen.”
Fiji Connection and Legacy
Beyond the NRL, Kamikamica remains a proud representative of Fiji, having played for the Fiji Bati in multiple international tournaments. His leadership and experience have made him a key mentor for young Pacific Islander players coming through the ranks at the Storm.
Should he depart, Kamikamica would leave behind a lasting legacy — not just for his physical presence on the field, but for his humility and professionalism off it. Many fans see him as a symbol of the Storm’s culture of hard work, discipline, and loyalty.
What’s Next for Kamikamica and the Storm?
With the NRL Grand Final looming, Kamikamica’s immediate focus is on helping Melbourne capture another title. Yet, behind the scenes, discussions about his next move are likely to intensify once the season concludes.
If he chooses to part ways with the Storm, several pathways remain open:
A move to a rival NRL club seeking experienced forward leadership.
A Super League contract, where his experience and reputation could earn him a bigger payday.
Or, a return to Fiji, possibly taking on a mentoring or ambassadorial role within Pacific rugby league programs.
Whatever the outcome, Kamikamica’s story is one of perseverance and quiet strength — a player who rose from humble beginnings in Fiji to become a stalwart of one of the NRL’s greatest clubs.
As fans gear up for what could be his final outing in purple, one thing is certain: Tui Kamikamica will leave the Melbourne Storm with respect, gratitude, and pride — no matter where his next chapter unfolds.
