Eli Katoa shares images post brain surgery, pays tribute to partner and hopes for NRL return

Eli Katoa remains hopeful of returning to the NRL, with the Melbourne Storm star saying his recovery from brain surgery is "going well".

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

The Storm second-rower's career was thrown into doubt after he suffered three head knocks in 90 minutes and required oxygen on the sidelines.

Katoa spent more than two weeks in hospital before consulting with specialists in Melbourne, who advised him not to play next season.

The 25-year-old is continuing his rehabilitation and recovery under the watch of the Storm medical staff, and said he hoped to play again.

"I'm back at home at the moment and I'm in a good place now," Katoa posted on Instagram.

"My recovery is going well and hopefully I can keep ticking all of the boxes that I need!

"And to the Storm fans, in God's timing, 'I'll be back soon'."

Katoa thanked people for their messages and prayers, and the Storm club for its support, reserving special praise for partner Tuitofa Aloua.

"This woman has been amazing," he wrote on the post, which included a video of Aloua falling asleep in a chair next to his hospital bed.

"Strong and sticking by my side through it all. I appreciate you and I love you so much."

Aloua replied, saying she was "so proud" of Katoa's strength to carry on.

Katoa's post included some confronting images of him in hospital, including being helped down the stairs by Aloua, being fed a burger and showing where his head had been shaved for the surgery.

A host of his past and present teammates from Melbourne, the Warriors and Tonga offered their love and support in the comments.

Ryan Papenhuyzen, who was released from his contract with the Storm last month, was one of Katoa's teammates to respond.

"Health is wealth king, look after yourself my bro," wrote the star fullback, who has also endured career-threatening injuries.

The NRL has completed an investigation into Tonga's handling of his injuries, but is yet to release its findings.

The Storm will receive salary-cap relief for Katoa, but the Dally M second-rower of the year is almost impossible to replace.

Katoa appears to have no hard feelings towards the Tongan camp, thanking the organisation in his post.

"To the @tongarugbyleagueofficial, the team that we love. I wanna say a massive thank you," he wrote.

"The quality time that we had in camp was unreal. Thank you guys for the help in camp! I love playing for our little Kingdom."

AAP/ABC