Melbourne Storm forward Tui Kamikamica failed to show up to a Brisbane court in what was the first mention of an assault charge.
The alleged incident occurred outside a Brisbane hotel involving a woman, with police set to allege that a 30-year-old woman was involved who wasn’t known to Kamikamica.
The 27-year-old Storm prop was issued with a notice to appear last year following the alleged incident in November, but he was absent in Brisbane Arrests Court as required on Monday.
His Melbourne-based lawyer Bernie Balmer did phone in to the court to represent him to say that Kamikamica would be pleading not guilty to the single charge of assault occasioning bodily harm.
“As the NRL has stood him down, there is some urgency in respect to this. I’ve spoken to a barrister in Queensland in respect to it, we would like to get a hearing as soon as we possibly can,” he said, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.
Magistrate Andrew Moloney prepared an arrest warrant for Kamikamica after he failed to show up and if the Melboune prop does not appear in person at the next mention, the arrest warrant will be activated.
The case was adjourned to the Brisbane Magistrates Court on February 9.
Kamikamica first debuted for the Melbourne Storm in the NRL back in April 2017. Since then, he has made 55 appearances and scored six tries, but has been stood down since November following the incident.
Huddersfield Giants
“Get rid of the…” – Super League star calls for major Challenge Cup change
Huddersfield Giants
Former Wigan Warriors man agrees deal with Huddersfield Giants
Leigh Leopards
Reports: Leigh Leopards exit could lead to huge signing
