LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
The Melbourne Storm have issued a significant update regarding Eli Katoa, the star forward currently recovering in a hospital after undergoing emergency brain surgery. This surgery was necessitated by multiple head knocks he sustained while playing for Tonga earlier in the month.
Storm CEO Justin Rodski announced that Katoa is anticipated to be discharged from a hospital in Auckland within the next 48 hours. Following this, he will be transferred to a hospital in Melbourne for continued recovery.
"We're in the process of working out when he gets out of hospital in New Zealand, hopefully in the next 24 to 48 hours, and then the view would be to get him back to Melbourne next week," Rodski told the Daily Telegraph.
He further explained, "The plan would be that he returns to a Melbourne hospital for a period of time for further assessment to see some specialists, to be under the care of the club doctor."
Recently awarded the 2025 Dally M Second-Rower of the Year, Katoa was hospitalized after suffering three distinct head knocks while competing against New Zealand at Eden Park. He subsequently underwent surgery to relieve pressure by releasing fluid from his brain, causing significant concern within the Storm community regarding his health and future.
Rodski emphasized that it is premature to speculate on Katoa's ability to return to play, noting that the club's top priority is focused on his health and the well-being of his family.