Storm enforcer Eliesa Katoa has been ruled out of the 2026 season after a trio of horror head knocks saw him hospitalised and in need of brain surgery.
Melbourne released a statement on Tuesday afternoon, confirming the gun back rower “won’t be available for the 2026 season”.
Katoa has also returned from Auckland to Australia, where he has undergone “further testing and assessment” before being released from hospital.
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“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said in a statement.
“It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our Club doctor and local specialists. He is improving each day and looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.
“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season.
“He has a long road ahead in his recovery and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.
“Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club. The Storm Family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.”
While playing for Tonga, Katoa had to be administered urgent medical help on the sideline after suffering a seizure before being rushed to hospital in New Zealand.
He then underwent surgery relieve pressure on his brain, with the situation prompting an NRL investigation, with those findings yet to be revealed.
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Despite the ugly situation, Katoa’s uncle Reverend Setelo Katoa spoke on Tongan radio station, PMN Tonga and revealed his family’s stance on the ordeal.
“Basically they’re saying it’s not the coaches fault, it’s not the doctors, they’re saying that Eli wanted to play and represent his country,’’ PMN radio host Nicholas Pulu explained to News Corp.
“They’re not blaming anyone. He wanted to play. That’s the pride of one’s country.
“That they will do whatever it takes to represent, even if it means putting your body literally on the line and I think that’s the sacrifice that he’s put himself in that unfortunately in this case, he’s ended up injured.”
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