NRL player Tui Kamikamica is the most mysterious nominee for The Fronwlow Medal this year after being cleared and punished for the same incident.
Kamikamica was charged with assault occasioning bodily harm after an altercation with a female in Fortitude Valley in November 2021, and was cleared by the courts. However, the NRL issued him with a breach notice, a fine and a suspension.
The Storm player is thus eligible and ineligible for The Frownlow Medal for exactly the same incident.
The Frownlow Medal is awarded to the player whose off-field demeanour epitomises the values of the modern-day footballer and draws attention to the status of footballers as role models to young Australians. It covers Australia’s four major football codes; the National Rugby League (NRL), Australian Football League (AFL), the A-League (Football) and Rugby Union’s Super Rugby competition. NRL player Shaun Kenny-Dowall won the inaugural medal in 2015, while NRL star Jarryd Hayne is the most recent recipient.
The legal system dismissed the charges in April 2022, but the NRL conducted its own investigation and alleged Kamikamica had brought the game into disrepute. He was fined $10,000 ($5,000 suspended) and stood down for 10 games. He was also required to complete “mandatory personal development and tailored rehabilitation programs with NRL Wellbeing & Education”.
The NRL based its decision on CCTV footage of the incident which allegedly shows Kamikamica in a physical altercation with a female.
So, will Kamikamica be in the running for the prestigious award when it is decided at the end of 2022?
The mystery surrounding the rampaging forward also poses another hugely important question: is he eligible for The Fronwlow Medal Wife Beater Tattoo and The Fronwlow Medal Wife Beaters Club?
Image: Melbourne Storm
The Frownlow Medal 