Craig Bellamy‘s claim that Storm gun Eli Katoa may never play again were taken “a little bit out of context”, according to the club’s general manager of football Frank Ponissi.
Katoa’s future in the NRL remains under a cloud as he continues to recover from a brain bleed suffered after three consecutive head knocks during the Pacific Championships late last year that left him hospitalised.
The 26-year-old will not take to the field in 2026 but is said to be tracking well in his recovery, with the Storm giving him the opportunity to become their new blue shirt on the coaching staff this season.
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Eli Katoa suffered the first head knock prior to the game against New Zealand commencing. Â Getty
Bellamy said it was still too soon to determine if Katoa will ever play again when speaking on Seven’s The Agenda Setters, although he was hopeful to see him return.
“I don’t know if he’ll play again,” the five-time premiership-winning coach said.
“The doctors haven’t made that decision … It was a major injury, and we want him to live the rest of his life in a normal way. Fingers crossed.”
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The claim that one of the game’s star second-rowers may never play again sparked alarm, leading many to believe Katoa’s injury may be worse than it has been revealed.
But Ponissi was quick to dispel those suggestions when asked about Katoa on SEN.
“I think (Bellamy’s) comments were taken a little bit out of context,” he said.
Eli Katoa reacts after losing the 2025 grand final against the Brisbane Broncos. NRL Imagery
“What Eli is doing is fantastic. He is going really well, he is positive and so great around the group. He is training as much as he possibly can, except for contact training.
“He is ticking all the boxes and that’s all he can do at this stage.”
Ponissi clarified that while Bellamy and the Melbourne Storm are unsure of what Katoa’s future will look like, all parties are still waiting on the advice of medical professionals.
He also confirmed that everyone at the club, including Bellamy, is hopeful Katoa will return.
Katoa is expected to meet with a surgeon in May.
“Once he sees the surgeon in May, we will have a far better idea,” he added.
“He is certainly very positive, as are we. We are all behind Eli in getting back to playing, whenever that is.
“He has been fantastic to have around the group. He has been attending every meeting, he is still part of the leadership group. His connection to the group is stronger than ever.
“Anyone who makes a prediction (on Katoa’s future) is purely a guess at this stage.”
The Melbourne Storm will face the North Queensland Cowboys on Saturday evening.