Overview
- Eli Katoa posted that he is home and rehabilitating, telling Storm fans he hopes to return and sharing images from his hospital stay.
- Katoa thanked supporters and paid special tribute to partner Tuitofa Aloua, as well as the Tonga camp and Melbourne Storm staff.
- He was treated in Auckland for more than two weeks after requiring oxygen on the sideline, with surgeons operating to address a brain bleed.
- Reports state Katoa sustained three head impacts in about 90 minutes, including a warm-up collision with teammate Lehi Hopoate, and the NRL has completed an inquiry into Tonga’s handling but has not released findings.
- Melbourne will receive salary-cap relief to cover his absence, with reports linking the club to Jack Hetherington as broader roster changes continue.