Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Eli Katoa brain surgery recovery remains focused on a National Rugby League return, with the Melbourne Storm forward refusing to give up on playing again after a serious brain bleed suffered while representing Tonga.
Katoa was ruled out for the 2026 season after three head knocks in 90 minutes during the Pacific Championships last year, an incident that led to emergency surgery and more than two weeks in a New Zealand hospital.
His recovery comes as the National Rugby League season continues to deliver major storylines, including Brisbane Broncos Finals Hope Divides NRL Greats After Sixth Straight Defeat. Fans can follow official updates through the National Rugby League website.
Katoa Focused on Moving Forward
Katoa said he does not want to dwell on the incident and is putting his energy into recovery.
“I don’t want to go back and take my time talking about what happened,” he said on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League.
“I think everyone knows, but for the people that don’t know what happened to me, I was lucky enough to play for Tonga and we were playing the Kiwis. I got three head knocks so I had bleed on my brain. I went to the hospital, had a few surgeries on it and I’m still recovering from that.”
Katoa said he holds no anger over how the situation was handled.
“Obviously my goal is just to come back and play and there’s no point for me to look back and try to see what should have happened and what we could have done better.
“It’s already happened and lucky enough I’m still alive. My next goal is focussing on what I can do to come back and play the game again.”
Storm Support Drives Return Hope
Katoa has been training with Melbourne Storm for the past three months, doing running, gym work and blue shirt trainer duties.
“I’ve been going well with my recovery. There’s still a long way to go, but like I said, my goal is to do whatever I can do to come back and play the game again.
“I’ve been training with them, come and do all the running and stuff outside and do gym with them every day. The only difference is that I can’t help them on the field at the moment, but we’ll get there one day.”
Katoa said medical clearance remains the key step, with family also central to his decision-making.
“I’m just doing whatever the team needs me to do at the moment.”