Melbourne will receive up to $600,000 in salary cap relief after the Storm’s medical team made the stunning call to sideline Eli Katoa for the entire 2026 NRL season.

Katoa underwent emergency surgery in Auckland after he suffered a string of sickening head knocks playing for Tonga against New Zealand on November 2.

The back-rower remained in an Auckland hospital until last Friday before he returned to Melbourne and spent a further four nights being monitored by specialists.

Storm chief executive Justin Rodski confirmed the decision to rule Katoa out for the year in consultation with medical staff had been tough – but said the 25-year-old’s wellbeing was the club’s “number one priority”.

“It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists,

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