LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Melbourne Storm's Eliesa Katoa is making encouraging strides in his recovery, as evidenced by a recent social media update where he shared footage of himself running and working out at the gym.
Unfortunately, Katoa has been sidelined for the entire 2026 NRL season following a severe head injury he sustained while playing for Tonga during the later stages of the Pacific Championships.
On that fateful day, he experienced three head impacts, which led to a hospital visit and surgery for a brain bleed.
Currently, Katoa is back in Victoria, under the care of the Melbourne Storm's medical team. The club has indicated that he will require the full year for recovery and has been cautious in suggesting a timeline for his return in 2027.
Nonetheless, in a positive turn of events, Katoa posted an Instagram story on New Year's Day that featured him engaging in physical activities. He accompanied the video with an inspiring caption: "You don't get to choose everything that happens to you, but you always get to choose who you become in response."
Given his season-long absence, his early return to physical training is a promising development for the forward's recovery.