Storm bank on Katoa hitting ‘new heights’ with big extension

Melbourne Storm powerbrokers are banking on Eliesa Katoa hitting his full potential in white and purple, extending the second rower’s contract through to the end of the 2027 NRL season that’s built on the “new heights” he can eventually reach.

Katoa, who is currently sidelined with injury, agreed to the deal over the weekend.

While this season has been staggered slightly by injury, especially in recent weeks, Katoa has quickly become a key part of the new-look Melbourne  pack and has been earmarked as someone who can hold their spot in the team through the 2020s.

“We’ve been really pleased with the way Eli has transitioned into the club and made an immediate impact,” Storm general manager Frank Ponissi said after announcing the star’s re-signing on Monday. “We know what he is capable of and we’re looking forward to seeing him hopefully go to new heights with us in the future.”

Katoa originally debuted in the NRL with the New Zealand Warriors in 2020 and played 46 games for the club across the Tasman before moving to join the Storm this season.

He debuted as Melbourne player 226 in the first round of the year, which was a four-point victory over the Parramatta Eels. He has played 13 games, scoring once and making eight linebreaks. He averages around 110 metres a game, when he can get out onto the park. He has been sidelined since round 15 after surgery on his right eye.

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“I was back to training on Sunday so I’m just going through a little preseason. I haven’t done anything for a couple of weeks so I’m just getting back to running and should be back in two or three weeks,” he said today.

Melbourne’s medical team are aiming for him to be back playing in round 23.

Following the news he would be staying until 2027, the second rower said: “I’ve got a good crew around me, the boys have been good and the coaching staff as well so yeah, life is good.”