Footy fans across the country shared a collective smile on Tuesday afternoon when the Melbourne Storm shared shock footage of Eli Katoa training with the team just two months after he had brain surgery.
The world’s best edge forward was ruled out for the 2026 season by the club late last year after he suffered three head knocks in the space of 90 minutes during a Test match for Tonga against New Zealand in November.
The Storm star suffered “seizure activity” on the bench after he was eventually ruled out of that game, and was rushed to hospital for surgery to ease pressure on his brain.
Katoa spent two weeks in an Auckland hospital before he was cleared to return to Melbourne, with the Storm announcing on November 18 that he wouldn’t be available for the upcoming season.
While nothing has changed, Katoa has posted a series of encouraging updates on social media, with the club releasing a photo and video of the Dally M Second-Rower of the Year at training.
Katoa got through ball work, was running and spent time on a bike during the 17-second video posted to X.
There is no suggestion that he will be cleared to return at any stage this season, although Storm chief executive Justin Rodski did tell SEN radio on November 19 that the door was ajar.
Eliesa Katoa was ruled out for 2026 after a series of shocking head knocks while playing for Tonga. Picture: Hannah Peters/Getty Images
“We will never say never to any scenario, but at the same time, this is a moment when we really don’t want to put any pressure or expectation on him or his recovery,” he said at the time.
“We just want to make sure that he gets fit and healthy and that’s the first priority for us and his welfare, not just in the immediate term but for the rest of his life.”
His potential return would be a huge boost for a team that has made the past two grand finals but have lost Ryan Papenhuyzen, Nelson Asofa-Solomona and Jonah Pezet for the 2026 campaign.