"We want him to live the rest of his life in a normal way."
— Storm coach Craig Bellamy on Eli Katoa’s future
Melbourne Storm Hit by Major Injury Setbacks for 2026 NRL Season
The Melbourne Storm have confirmed significant injury-related absences for the 2026 NRL season, including season-ending injuries for two players and an uncertain future for a third.
Player Eli Katoa is unlikely to return to the field in 2026 after suffering a brain bleed during a Test match in late 2024.
Eli Katoa: Injury and Recovery
Incident
Katoa last played on November 2, 2024, representing Tonga against New Zealand in a Pacific Championships Test match. During the warm-up, he collided with teammate Lehi Hopoate while both contested a high ball. Despite this initial head knock, Katoa was cleared by Tongan medical staff to play. During the match, he sustained two additional head knocks within approximately 90 minutes. After the second in-game incident, Katoa experienced a seizure on the sideline and was transported to hospital in Auckland. He was diagnosed with a bleed on the brain and underwent emergency brain surgery.
Confirmed Absence
Melbourne Storm chief executive Justin Rodski confirmed that Katoa will not play in the 2026 NRL season. Katoa continues to work with specialists and neurosurgeons to determine if he can resume contact training. A potential return to rugby league has been discussed for the 2027 season, but no timeline has been set.
Current Status
Storm coach Craig Bellamy reported that Katoa is "doing really well" and remains a full-time member of the Melbourne Storm group, attending daily. Katoa has taken on a mentoring role, assisting edge back-row replacements including Cooper Clarke, Joe Chan, and Ativalu Lisati.
Playing Future
Bellamy stated he does not know if Katoa will play again, noting that medical professionals have not yet made a decision regarding his long-term ability to play. "It was a major injury, and we want him to live the rest of his life in a normal way," Bellamy said. Before the injury, Katoa was named in the 2025 Dally M Team of the Year and was recognized as the Storm's player of the year.
Xavier Coates: Season-Ending Injury
Representative winger Xavier Coates ruptured his Achilles during training and will miss the entire 2026 NRL season, according to Storm chief executive Justin Rodski.
Tui Kamikamica: Recovery Update
Forward Tui Kamikamica, who suffered a stroke, has resumed training. He is awaiting medical clearance before he can return to NRL play. Rodski stated the club is waiting on further medical advice before giving Kamikamica the all clear.
South Sydney Pre-Season Injuries
South Sydney players Latrell Mitchell and David Fifita sustained minor injuries during pre-season training. Mitchell suffered a calf injury, while Fifita sustained a rib injury. Both players are expected to participate in the club's first trial match against the St. George Illawarra Dragons. Fifita is projected to start on the left edge, with Mitchell positioned at left centre.