Craig Bellamy reveals Eli Katoa may never return to rugby league after horror injury
The Storm star remains sidelined as he continues his recovery from brain surgery.
Melbourne Storm coach Craig Bellamy has revealed on Channel Seven’s Agenda Setters: Rugby League that Eliesa Katoa may never return to the NRL.
The Tongan backrower suffered repeat head knocks during his nation’s final match in the Pacific Championship at the end of 2025.
The 25-year-old suffered seizure activity and a brain bleed, resulting in him being rushed to hospital to undergo emergency brain surgery.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Katoa was quickly ruled out for the entire 2026 season to continue his recovery, but is targeting a return to the field at some point beyond that.
However, for the first time, Bellamy has cast doubt on that ever happening.
“He’s doing really well at the moment,” Bellamy said on The Agenda Setters.
“I don’t know if he’ll play next year… I don’t know if he’ll play again.
“The doctors haven’t made that decision, and I don’t know when that decision will get made to be quite honest.
“I imagine after a certain amount of time he’ll have more tests and go from there.
“It was a major injury, and we want him to live the rest of his life in a normal way, so fingers crossed.
“But we’d love to have him back playing footy and playing with us. He was one hell of a player.
“Last year he won our player of the year.”
Katoa last month said he is recovering well and hopeing to return.
“I just want to let everyone know that I’m healthy now,” he told the Storm website.
“I’ve been training hard the last two or three months with no symptoms, so I’m going great at the moment.”
In his road to recovery, the two-time Dally M backrower of the year has taken up a roll working with the Storm’s forward pack.
Bellamy said the role has been instrumental in advancing the development of young players like young Cooper Clarke.
“We’ve given him a role will our edge back rowers to take them under his wing – young Cooper Clarke,” Bellamy said.
“We have to give Eli a lot of wraps for that – even with Joey Chan and Valu (Lisati), he’s helped them out a whole heap as well.
“That’s the good news.”
The Melbourne Storm are set to take on the Cowboys on Saturday at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
