Eliesa Katoa, the Tongan international and forward for the Melbourne Storm, is visiting Tonga while continuing his recovery from a serious head injury sustained during international rugby league last year.

The 25-year-old player travelled to the kingdom on a personal visit and recently attended a luncheon hosted in Nukuʻalofa by Lord Fakafanua, chairman of the Tonga National Rugby League board and Prime Minister of Tonga.

Speaking to RNZ Pacific, Fakafanua said Katoa was recovering well following the injury he suffered during the 2025 Pacific Championships while playing for Tonga’s national side.

“I hosted a dinner in honour of Eliesa Katoa and he was there with his mum,” Fakafanua said. “He is currently undergoing mandatory recovery and taking time to heal.”

Katoa suffered a severe head injury during a warm-up and subsequent match against New Zealand during the tournament. The incident ultimately required brain surgery, sidelining him from competition as doctors advised a lengthy rehabilitation period.

The Melbourne Storm forward is expected to miss the 2026 National Rugby League season while focusing on a full recovery.

During his visit, Katoa is also planning to travel to Haʻapai, where his family has strong ties. Fakafanua said the player intends to deliver donations and visit his local village as part of the trip.

“The renowned sportsman is in Tonga with his mother on a personal visit and will continue to Haʻapai next week to present donations to his local village,” he said.

Fakafanua also thanked Katoa for representing Tonga internationally and praised him as a role model for young athletes.

“The government stands in full support of all our national players and wishes Eliesa Katoa a speedy and full recovery,” he said.

Katoa has become one of Tonga’s most prominent rugby league exports in recent years, and his return home during recovery highlights the close ties many overseas-based players maintain with their communities in the kingdom.