Fiji Bati forward Viliame Kikau remains hopeful that captain Tui Kamikamica will recover in time to lead Fiji at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup, while Caleb Navale is also expected to feature after making a remarkable return from an ACL injury.
Kamikamica has not played since the Melbourne Storm's Round 4 NRL match against the North Queensland Cowboys on March 28, after suffering a stroke that temporarily left him unable to speak or move.
The 32-year-old underwent brain and heart surgery and has since made a strong recovery.
He is currently touring the Papua New Guinea Highlands with former Storm team-mate and Kumuls great Justin Olam.
Kamikamica had initially hoped to return midway through the season, but a setback has prevented him from playing a match this year.
Despite this, the Fijian prop remains hopeful of making the Bati squad for the World Cup.
Navale is also set to return after making his comeback for Manly in their 18–12 NSW Cup loss to the Warriors on Saturday.
The second-rower returned just six months and three days after rupturing his ACL at pre-season training on 11 February, with his recovery reportedly believed to be the quickest in NRL history.
Kikau says Bati players are hoping to have the opportunity to play alongside Kamikamica in Fiji's World Cup matches against the Cook Islands in Newcastle on 18 October, Australia in Townsville on 25 October and New Zealand on the Gold Coast on 31 October.
Kamikamica has played 23 Tests for Fiji and 142 NRL matches for the Storm.
Source: nrl.com
