Melbourne Storm prop Tui Kamikamica is thrilled to return home after 12 years, stepping onto the very ground where Storm officials first scouted him.
Responding to questions sent in by this newspaper, Kamikamica expressed the joy of playing in front of family and friends.
“It’s such an awesome feeling to be back home and playing in front of my families and friends. I remember the last time I played in front of them was when I was in high school 12 years ago, and the funny fact is that we are playing on the same ground where I was scouted by the Melbourne Storm officials,” he said.
“Now, the second time I’m playing on that ground is as a Melbourne Storm player.”
Kamikamica also shared some insights into his experiences playing with the Storm that has helped shaped his skills and perspective on the game.
“To start off when I made my debut with the Storm playing alongside these big names Cameron Smith, Billy Slater was such a huge honour because the standard of play is so high but for you to make it in the line-up ut means that you have done your work and have met the expectations of the coach and playing alongside these big two was a huge honour.
“So for me, I always focus on the little things and bigger things will take care of itself,” he added.
Improving his fitness level was his first challenge when he joined the Storm.
“When I first started playing rugby league it was a different skill from rugby union, the speed of the game is fast so in saying that I had to improve my fitness in the forwards and never be afraid to make all those tackles count, it was pretty hard at first for me here in Melbourne,” he added.
Kamikamica advises Fijian youths who want to make a professional career in sports to have self-discipline.
“Preparation is the key when you play in the weekend, the work needs to be done during the week, time to sleep you need to sleep and eat, those are little things you need to sacrifice, those were some little things I learned during my time here with the Storm in order for me to have a consistent performance on the field.
“When you prepare for the weekend game , you need to have a consistent performance during the week, which will give you a lot of confidence.”
The former Queen Victoria School Deans said his return will motivate the kids at home.
“This will be the motivation for the kids back home. I grew up in Fiji, I know the lifestyle is easy going but some bad influence really spoil the kids so I will try to go back home and influence the younger generations.”
Kamikamica looks forward to play in front of his family next Saturday.
“This will be an emotional experience and I’m looking forward to play infront of my home crowd, it will be a fantastic experience,” he added.
