The Agenda Setters: Eli Katoa opens up on recovery journey and hopes of NRL return – Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa says he remains hopeful of returning to rugby league after suffering a brain bleed earlier this year, revealing he has spent the past three months training alongside his teammates as he awaits further medical advice.
Speaking on The Agenda Setters: Rugby League, Katoa provided an update on his rehabilitation and admitted he is taking his recovery one step at a time.
“Yes, that’s what I’ve been doing for the last three months. I’ve been training with them, come and do all the running and stuff outside and do gym with them every day.
“The only difference is that I can’t help them on the field at the moment, but we’ll get there one day.”
While Katoa has not yet been cleared to return to playing duties, he has remained closely involved with the Storm’s preparations, often wearing the blue non-contact jersey at training.
Finding new ways to contribute
Katoa said supporting his teammates and offering advice had helped him maintain a sense of purpose during his recovery.
“I feel like that’s what I’m doing now. It’s sort of just finding a way to help with the team.
“The blue shirt or just tipping those boys up. They play the same position as me in whatever I used to do, which is sort of giving them some advice there.”
Despite remaining optimistic, Katoa acknowledged that important decisions regarding his playing future still lie ahead.
“There’s a lot of things going into it. If you talk about yes or no answers here, I’m thinking about my family as well – the people that I do what I do for them.
“But for what I’m doing now, it’s just controlling what I can do.
“We don’t know the answers yet, but let’s just hope for the best.”
The importance of speaking up
Katoa also praised the support network available within the Melbourne Storm organisation, particularly as the club prepares to recognise Mental Health Round.
The Samoan international said his experience had reinforced the importance of seeking help when needed.
“I feel like as a man, you don’t want to speak up and ask for help because you think that people will think that you’re weak and you can’t handle your own situation.
“But lucky enough, with the people that we have at our club, with the Melbourne Storm there, you can find whoever.
“I feel like in our group, we’re so comfortable. You can just go and talk to anyone at the Storm for any help that you might require.”
For now, Katoa says his focus remains firmly on the present.
“At the moment, I’m just taking it week by week and just listening to all the coaches, what they need me to do.
“I’m just doing whatever the team needs me to do at the moment.”
The Agenda Setters: Rugby League airs on Channel 7 and 7plus.
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The Agenda Setters: Eli Katoa opens up on recovery journey and hopes of NRL return
