Eliesa Katoa has made a major stride toward a possible return to the NRL, as the Melbourne Storm forward has been cleared to ramp up his training intensity following a serious brain injury sustained last year.
The Storm's medical team has approved Katoa to begin light wrestling and tackling, a crucial development after he missed the entire 2026 season due to his injury.
The Tongan international experienced a brain bleed during last year's Pacific Championships after a distressing series of events in the match against New Zealand.
Katoa first collided with teammate Lehi Hopoate during warm-ups, was cleared to play, and later was involved in two additional collisions before a medical emergency occurred on the sideline.
He was quickly hospitalized and underwent surgery to address the brain bleed, initiating a long recovery journey that left his playing future uncertain.
Now, Katoa can engage in controlled wrestling and tackling, marking a significant step in reintroducing contact into his training.
At 26, he is also planning to consult with top medical specialists overseas, which should help clarify his path toward a possible NRL comeback.
Although there's no guarantee Katoa will receive final clearance to return, participating in contact training is a crucial milestone in his rehabilitation.
Throughout his career with the Warriors and Melbourne, Katoa has played 116 NRL games, scoring 42 tries and earning recognition as one of the top edge forwards prior to his injury.
He notably excelled in his last two seasons, scoring 26 tries during that time.
This news arrives shortly after fellow Storm forward Tui Kamikamica was forced to retire immediately on medical grounds following his own serious health issues earlier this year.
As the Storm have faced numerous injuries in a challenging season, Katoa's progress offers the team and its supporters a much-needed boost as they wrap up the season.