Katoa was placed into intensive care and required neurosurgery in Auckland on a brain bleed following three separate head knocks in one day when representing Tonga in a Pacific Championships match against New Zealand at Eden Park.
The 25-year-old was passed fit to play after each of the first two, before suffering from seizure activity on the sidelines following the third, prompting the team to rush him to hospital.
Katoa spent weeks in hospital in Auckland under specialist care before being discharged and flown home to Melbourne last week for further treatment and assessment.
“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” Melbourne Storm CEO Justin Rodki said to the media.
“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.”
The club confirmed that Katoa will not present to pre-season training nor made available for the 2026 NRL season as he focuses "on returning to full health".
“Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club. The Storm Family will rally around him and support him through his recovery." Rodski added.
The NRL is reportedly finalising its investigation into how and why Katoa was in a positive to receive three head knocks in 90 minutes and whether the Tonga national team had breached its duty of care to Katoa.
