The NRL way forward for Storm star Eli Katoa remains to be unclear, based on Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy.
Katoa was hospitalised after copping three head knocks in 90 minutes whereas enjoying for Tonga in a Pacific Championships Take a look at towards New Zealand late final 12 months.
After surgical procedure to alleviate mind bleeding in Auckland, Katoa returned to Melbourne and the choice was made for him to sit down out the 2026 season.
Three rounds into the season, Bellamy mentioned Katoa is “doing very well in the mean time”, however it’s nonetheless too early to know if or when he’ll return to the game.
Katoa copped three head knocks in 90 minutes earlier than and through a Take a look at in November. (Getty Pictures: Hannah Peters)
“I do not know whether or not he’ll play subsequent 12 months. I do not know whether or not he’ll play once more,” he mentioned on Seven’s The Agenda Setters.
“The medical doctors have not made that call but and I do not know when that call will get made. After a sure period of time, he’ll have extra exams and go from there.
“It was a significant damage and we actually need El to have the ability to reside the remainder of his life in a traditional approach.
“Fingers crossed, however we would like to have him again enjoying footy. He was one hell of a participant for the couple of years he is been with us and final 12 months he gained our participant of the 12 months.”
Katoa, a two-time Dally M again rower of the 12 months, has taken up a job with the Storm to assist mentor his replacements within the again row — Joe Chan, Ativalu Lisati and hulking teenager Cooper Clarke.
Clarke has impressed the league with three robust outings since his debut in spherical one and Bellamy mentioned Katoa deserved “lots of wraps for that”.
“He is getting some actual knowledgeable teaching,” Bellamy mentioned.
The Storm coach mentioned Katoa is remaining a full-time member of the group, even when his enjoying future is unknown.
“He is coming in daily,” he mentioned.
“He is a superb participant and he is such a superb man to have across the joint.”
