NRL

Eliesa Katoa has taken a significant step towards potentially returning to the NRL, with the Melbourne Storm forward cleared to increase the intensity of his training following the serious brain injury he suffered last year.

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Katoa has been cleared by Melbourne’s medical team to resume light wrestling and tackling work, marking an important development after spending the entire 2026 season away from the field.

The Tongan international suffered a brain bleed during last year’s Pacific Championships following a frightening series of incidents surrounding Tonga’s clash with New Zealand.

Katoa initially collided with teammate Lehi Hopoate during the warm-up before being cleared to play, where he was involved in two further collisions before suffering a medical episode on the sideline.

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He was rushed to hospital and underwent surgery to address the bleed on his brain, beginning an extensive recovery process that has left his future in rugby league uncertain.

Katoa’s recovery has now progressed to the point where he can participate in controlled wrestling and tackling work as he gradually reintroduces contact into his training — a massive step on his road back to playing.

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The 26-year-old is also set to travel overseas to consult leading medical specialists, with those assessments expected to help establish a clearer roadmap towards a potential NRL return.

There remains no guarantee Katoa will ultimately receive clearance to resume his playing career, but reaching the point where he can participate in contact training represents a significant milestone in his recovery.

Katoa has played 116 NRL matches across his time with the Warriors and Melbourne, scoring 42 tries and establishing himself as one of the competition’s premier edge forwards before his injury.

His attacking output had been particularly impressive in his final two seasons before the incident, with Katoa crossing for 26 tries during that period.

The development comes shortly after fellow Melbourne forward Tui Kamikamica was forced into immediate retirement on medical grounds following his own serious health battle earlier this year.

While the Storm have been hit hard by injuries this year in what has been a disappointing season, Katoa’s progress provides the club and its fans with some much-needed good news to close out the season.

NRL

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