Katoa future uncertain: Melbourne Storm star remains in recovery after brain surgery

Melbourne Storm forward Eliesa “Eli” Katoa is slowly recovering in hospital after suffering a serious head injury during Tonga’s Pacific Championships match against New Zealand in Auckland on 2 November, the club has announced.

The Kiwis won that game 40-14 and went on to clinch the title, defeating To Sāmoa 36-14 in the final in Sydney on 9 November.

The 25-year-old Katoa required emergency surgery for bleeding on the brain and remains in stable condition as his club and family support his long road to recovery.

According to the Melbourne Storm, Katoa experienced seizure activity on the bench in the second half of the game, which followed three separate head impacts in a short timeframe.

The club says their medical team remains in “close contact” with Tonga’s medical staff while Katoa recovers.

He underwent surgery overnight after being admitted to the hospital.

Eli Katoa in action for the Storm against the Panthers, a powerful runner before his injury in the Pacific Championships. Photo/AAP/Photosport/Dan Himbrechts

During a media conference, Justin Rodski, the Storm CEO, told reporters that the club’s top priority is Katoa’s health and welfare, describing the situation as “heart‑breaking” for Katoa, his family, and the NRL club.

Katoa has reportedly been moved from Auckland to Melbourne for further treatment. He was spotted at Auckland Airport on Friday. While in Melbourne, Katoa is expected to see specialists and possibly spend time in rehab.

On his long-term playing future, Rodski made it clear it’s too early to say whether Katoa will return in 2026, or even beyond.

Watch Storm boss Justin Rodski with an update on Eliesa Katoa below.

Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf recently defended the medical handling by the team, saying their doctors had examined Katoa after the warm-up collision and were comfortable with him returning to play.

In a message from his hospital bed, Katoa expressed gratitude to well-wishers. According to reports, he posted on Instagram with a Bible verse, acknowledging the support, saying, “Ofa atu” (Tongan for “love you”).

Reverend Setelo Katoa, his uncle, told Tongan media that the family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support. He confirmed Katoa has left the intensive care unit (ICU), is “recovering well,” and asked the Tongan and Pacific community to continue holding him in their prayers.

The NRL has launched an investigation into how Katoa’s injury was handled, particularly around the decision to clear him to play after the warm-up knock.

Critics have raised concerns about current concussion protocols, especially since the rules don’t explicitly cover collisions that happen during pre-game warm-ups.

The NRL’s chief medical officer is reportedly monitoring Katoa’s case closely, and the league is treating it as a serious incident.

Tonga's Eliesa Katoa takes on the Kiwis defence with a cut under his eye at Eden Park on 2 November. Photo/Photosport/Fiona Goodall

Katoa is one of the top Pacific/Tongan talents in the NRL. His injury and how it’s handled resonate deeply not just with Storm fans, but the wider Tongan and Pacific rugby league community.

If he recovers well, his return could be a powerful symbol of Pacific resilience. But one expert says that if his recovery takes longer, or if he’s forced to retire or reduce his playing role, it would be a major loss.

The incident has also put a spotlight on player safety for Pasifika in international matches and on how medical protocols must protect them just as rigorously as in domestic leagues.

Storm vs Warriors: One of Eli Katoa’s defining moments on the field, before the incident that led to his hospitalisation. Photo/Photosport/Brett Phibbs