"Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been ruled out for the entire 2026 season as he recovers at home in Victoria, having returned from a prolonged stay in Auckland following brain surgery. The 25-year-old suffered three head injuries in one afternoon while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand and suffered seizures while on the sideline, triggering emergency medical attention. A procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa in hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne."
"It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists. He is improving each day and looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home. Rodski said there was no timeframe on Katoa's recovery or possible return to training. In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training this pre-season and won't be available for the 2026 season, he said."
Eli Katoa suffered three head injuries in one afternoon while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand, experienced seizures on the sideline, and required emergency medical attention. A procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain followed, leaving him hospitalised and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne. Katoa has returned to Victoria after a prolonged stay in Auckland and a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital and is recovering at home under the care of club and local medical specialists. The Melbourne Storm have ruled him out of training this pre-season and confirmed he will not be available for the entire 2026 season while he focuses on recovery.
Read at www.theguardian.com
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]