Eliesa Katoa, the Melbourne Storm backrower and two-time Dally M backrower of the year, has expressed his determination to return to rugby league after suffering a serious brain injury last November. The 26-year-old sustained three significant head knocks during a Pacific Championships match representing Tonga against New Zealand, leading to a brain bleed and emergency surgery. As a result, Katoa is set to miss the entire 2026 NRL season.

Speaking on Channel 7’s Agenda Setters, Katoa described his recovery as a week-by-week process, emphasizing that he is following medical advice and coaching staff instructions closely while remaining involved with the Storm’s training outside of contact drills. He refrained from assigning blame for the incident, instead focusing on his rehabilitation and future in the sport.

During the Pacific Championships Test match at Eden Park, Katoa endured a severe head collision in the pre-game warm-up that reportedly went unreported to the Tonga coaching staff. He then suffered two additional knocks during the game before experiencing a seizure on the sideline, resulting in urgent brain surgery in Auckland. The incident triggered scrutiny over the management of head injuries, with Panthers premiership winner Martin Lang criticizing the disciplinary measures against four members of Tonga’s coaching and medical staff, including proposed bans for the head doctor, assistant doctor, and head trainer, describing them as insufficient.

Katoa declined to engage in the debate over the injury’s handling, stating he prefers to concentrate on his recovery and future return to rugby league. “What happened, I sort of just leave that and move away and move forward and do what I need to do,” he said. “My next goal is focusing on what I can do to come back and play the game again.”

Acknowledging the complexity of his situation, Katoa said the ultimate decision on his playing future rests with medical professionals and involves careful consideration of his health and family. “It’s going to be tough... If you talk about yes or no answers here, I’m thinking about my family as well,” he remarked. For now, he is committed to controlling what he can—maintaining fitness, supporting teammates, and adhering to medical guidance—with hope for a positive outcome.

Katoa’s recovery remains ongoing, with regular medical appointments and assessments shaping his path forward. While the timeline for his return to contact rugby remains uncertain, the Storm forward remains focused on every step of his rehabilitation.