The Storm second-rower’s career was thrown into doubt after he suffered three head knocks in 90 minutes and required oxygen on the sidelines.<\/p>\n
Katoa spent more than two weeks in hospital before consulting with specialists in Melbourne, who advised him not to play next season.<\/p>\n
The 25-year-old is continuing his rehabilitation and recovery under the watch of the Storm medical staff, and said he hoped to play again.<\/p>\n
“I’m back at home at the moment and I’m in a good place now,” Katoa posted on Instagram.<\/p>\n
Loading Instagram content<\/p>\n
“My recovery is going well and hopefully I can keep ticking all of the boxes that I need!<\/p>\n
“And to the Storm fans, in God’s timing, ‘I’ll be back soon’.”<\/p>\n
Katoa thanked people for their messages and prayers, and the Storm club for its support, reserving special praise for partner Tuitofa Aloua.<\/p>\n
“This woman has been amazing,” he wrote on the post, which included a video of Aloua falling asleep in a chair next to his hospital bed.<\/p>\n
“Strong and sticking by my side through it all. I appreciate you and I love you so much.”<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Eli Katoa is helped down the stairs at hospital by partner Tuitofa Aloua. (Instagram: eli.katoa_)<\/p>\n
Aloua replied, saying she was “so proud” of Katoa’s strength to carry on.<\/p>\n
Katoa’s post included some confronting images of him in hospital, including being helped down the stairs by Aloua, being fed a burger and showing where his head had been shaved for the surgery.<\/p>\n
A host of his past and present teammates from Melbourne, the Warriors and Tonga offered their love and support in the comments.<\/p>\n
Ryan Papenhuyzen, who was released from his contract with the Storm last month, was one of Katoa’s teammates to respond.<\/p>\n
“Health is wealth king, look after yourself my bro,” wrote the star fullback, who has also endured career-threatening injuries.<\/p>\n