Melbourne have stood down prop Tui Kamikamica after the 27-year-old was charged for an alleged incident involving a woman in Brisbane.
The Storm and the NRL Integrity unit are currently investigating the incident that has seen Kamikamica charged by Queensland Police.
"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," a club statement reads.
"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 Kamikamicaโs plea and conducted further enquiries."
Kamikamica was set to make a return to Melbourne in the coming weeks for pre-season training.
The Fiji international has played 55 games for the Storm since making his debut in 2017.
Wow.
Another indiscretion by a Melbourne Storm player. This is becoming an all to familiar occurrence at this club. To me it speaks volumes about the culture of this club. It will be very interesting to see how the club manages this situation. After Cameron Munster and Brandon Smiths cocaine fuelled session was all but swept under the carpet by the club with the shocking excuse that they were to drunk and no one can prove what really happened, its no wonder their players continually get themselves in trouble.
I recall a few seasons ago Nelson Asofa Solamona beating someone up in a bar and ending up in a Bali jail, only to be secretly bailed out by the club. Younger players at this club must surely see this treatment and feel free to misbehave with seeming impunity.
Unfortunately with this clubs continued success on the field has come an undeniable arrogance. This extends from the senior management, right through to their coach (who’s outbursts in the coaches box, kicking chairs and abusing his staff, are unprofessional and should be dealt with by the NRL), through to their playing group.