LeagueNews.co | Robbie Hamilton
Ahead of Friday's clash against the ladder-leading Penrith Panthers, Melbourne Storm's forward stocks have received a boost with Eliesa Katoa named to make his second appearance off the bench.
Katoa successfully returned from injury last week against the Eels after undergoing retinal surgery and having a gas ball inserted into his eye.
This injury occurred in Round 15 when he suffered a tear at the top of his retina.
Despite the six-week absence, Katoa made an impressive return, playing 55 minutes and even scoring a try.
The Storm will be relying on Katoa to continue his strong performance from last week as they aim to avoid consecutive losses to Penrith in the regular season, a feat they haven't experienced since 2005.
In the previous 34-16 loss to the Panthers in Round 18, Katoa did not feature.
His inclusion in the team is seen as a welcome boost for coach Craig Bellamy, as he had established himself as a key player on the Storm's right edge earlier in the season.
Katoa mentioned in a media interview that the recovery process from such a delicate injury was slow and challenging.