Melbourne Storm turn to Sāmoan forward as Eliesa Katoa ruled out

Another Pacific talent is poised to step into a major role at the Melbourne Storm as Ativalu Lisati emerges as the frontrunner to replace Tongan international Eliesa Katoa in the NRL side’s forward pack this season.

Lisati, a 24-year-old Sāmoan forward, has impressed throughout the pre-season and is widely viewed within the club as the natural successor following Katoa’s season-ending injury.

Katoa was ruled out of the 2026 NRL campaign after suffering multiple head knocks during the 2025 Pacific Championships. He was taken to hospital following the Tongans’ clash with New Zealand at Eden Park. The incident has forced a cautious approach to his recovery.

Despite the setback, the Dally M second-rower remains closely involved with the Storm, continuing light training duties and supporting the squad as he recovers.

Katoa’s absence leaves a major gap for the Storm’s long-time head coach, Craig Bellamy. The club is also adjusting to the loss of senior players including Ryan Papenhuyzen and Nelson Asofa-Solomona.

But Melbourne are confident their next generation is ready to step forward.

Frank Ponissi, the Storm’s General Manager of Football, told NRL media that the current squad reflects youth.

“Everyone talks about the players we’ve lost, but we’ve still got some tremendous players here and we’ve got some exciting young players coming through,” Ponissi says.

Lisati is high on that list. A former Kelston Boys’ High School student, he was born in Auckland and spent four seasons with the Penrith Panthers before joining the Storm ahead of the 2025 season.

Ativalu Lisati of the Melbourne Storm. Photo/Facebook

He is contracted through to 2027 and was named the club’s Billy Slater Rookie of the Year.

Ponissi says Lisati has taken his opportunity during pre-season training.

“Valu [Ativalu] Lisati, who’s a player that, obviously with the injury to Eli, he’s been training on an edge and he’s been very impressive. He’s had a terrific pre-season,” Ponissi told reporters.

Alongside fellow young prospects Joe Chan and Sāmoan fullback Sua Fa’alogo, Ponissi believes Lisati is part of a group that now sees a clear pathway into the starting side.

“They’ve been here for a couple of years.,They see a genuine opportunity being in the run on the side from round one.”

For Lisati, the focus is simple: do what the team needs.

“If that’s where Bellza [Craig Bellamy] wants me, then that’s what I’ll do because I’ll do anything for him,” he told the Daily Telegraph. “Whether he wants me playing on the edge or in the ruck, I just do whatever is best for the team. I don’t mind, I just want to play.”

The Melbourne Storm open their 2026 NRL campaign at home against the Parramatta Eels at AAMI Park on Thursday, 5 March, with kickoff at 10pm (NZT).

For more information on the NRL’s 2026 season, click here.