LeagueNews.co | Jason Patrick
Eli Katoa is "struggling to process" the "devastating" news that he will miss at least Melbourne's 2026 NRL season due to a brain injury that has cast uncertainty on his career.
Katoa faced a serious health crisis during the Tonga vs. New Zealand match on November 2, requiring oxygen after experiencing seizure activity. He subsequently underwent surgery to address a brain bleed.
After spending over two weeks in an Auckland hospital, he was discharged and returned to Melbourne, where he has sought advice from various medical professionals.
"He's got a long road ahead but pleasingly, he's in a stable condition and improving every day," said Rodski on SEN.
On Tuesday, the Storm officially announced that their key forward would not participate in the 2026 season and his return thereafter remains uncertain.
"He's struggling to process it all, obviously," Rodski remarked.
"He's an athlete, he's a competitor, he is a young man at the peak of his powers, and he's now facing at a minimum a year on the sidelines."