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The Guardian - AU
The Guardian - AU
Sport
Guardian staff and agencies

Eli Katoa hopeful of NRL return as he pays tribute to partner and Storm after brain surgery

Eli Katoa Storm NRL Surgery Brain Instagram Melbourne Ryan Papenhuyzen Tonga
Eli Katoa rests on his knee while a trainer supports him
Eli Katoa has been ruled out for the 2026 NRL season after having surgery to treat a brain bleed suffered while playing for Tonga. Photograph: Hannah Peters/Getty Images

Eli Katoa remains hopeful of a return to the NRL, saying his recovery from brain surgery is “going well” as he paid tribute to his partner and fans for supporting him.

Katoa was ruled out of the 2026 NRL season after undergoing emergency surgery in New Zealand to treat a brain bleed that he suffered while playing for Tonga in the Pacific Championships in early November.

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