Tui Kamikamica has been stood down by the Melbourne Storm after being charged by Queensland Police over an alleged incident involving a woman outside a Brisbane hotel.
The Storm was made aware of the charges on Thursday afternoon before immediately notifying the NRL Integrity Unit.
“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 said in a club statement.
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“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.”
According to a Queensland Police statement, the woman involved was not known to the 27-year-old.
“Police have charged a 27-year-old Sunnybank Hills man with assault occasioning bodily harm following an incident in Fortitude Valley on November 13,” a Queensland Police statement read.
“Police will allege the man assaulted a 30-year-old woman, who was not known to him, outside an Ann Street business.
“On November 25, following an investigation, he was issued with a Notice to Appear at the Brisbane Magistrates Court on January 10, 2022.”
The Fijian has made 55 NRL appearances for the Storm since making his debut back in 2017 and has also represented his country on 12 occasions.