Eli Katoa is “struggling to process” the “devastating” news that he will miss at least Melbourne’s 2026 NRL season with the brain injury that has thrown his career into doubt.

That is according to Storm chief executive Justin Rodski, who has not yet determined whether the club will take legal action after their star second-rower suffered three head knocks in 90 minutes while on representative duty.

Katoa required oxygen after experiencing seizure activity on the sidelines of Tonga’s clash with New Zealand on November 2 and later underwent surgery on a brain bleed.

After more than two weeks in an Auckland hospital, he was discharged and cleared to return home to Melbourne, where he has consulted with more medical professionals.

“He’s got a long road ahead but pleasingly, he’s in a sta

See Full Page