Melbourne Storm star Eli Katoa has announced his engagement to the woman who supported him through a devastating brain injury that left his rugby league career hanging in the balance.
The Tongan international paid tribute to partner Tuitofa Aloua as he shared the happy news on Instagram, prompting congratulations from across the football world.
Katoa, who underwent emergency brain surgery after suffering three head impacts while representing Tonga in November, thanked his future wife for standing beside him during his recovery.
‘All in God’s timing,’ he wrote.
‘You are so deserving of everything and more my love. It’s been a challenging year but you still stood by my side and kept supporting me with everything that I do.
‘Thank you for everything you’ve done, looking forward to what life has for us. I love you so much’
Melbourne Storm star Eli Katoa announced his engagement to partner Tuitofa Aloua following months of brain injury rehabilitation
Katoa thanked his future wife for standing beside him throughout a challenging year after his devastating head injury
Aloua responded with her own affectionate message.
‘My partner 4L, praise God. Love u pookie’
Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes was among the players celebrating the announcement, writing: ‘Congrats you two’.
Xavier Coates added: ‘Congratulations guys’, while Dolphins playmaker Isaiya Katoa wrote: ‘Congrats fams’.
Will Warbrick, Tui Kamikamica, Jack Howarth, Tyran Wishart and Trent Loiero also joined the stream of wellwishers.
The engagement comes after months of rehabilitation for Katoa, following a medical emergency during Tonga’s Pacific Championships clash with New Zealand at Eden Park on 2 November.
The back rower collided with teammate Lehi Hopoate during the warm-up but was still allowed to take the field.
He suffered two further head impacts during the match before his condition deteriorated on the interchange bench.
The Tongan international required surgery after suffering from concussion and a brain bleed while representing his country last November
Katoa suffered three head impacts before seizures on the bench prompted emergency hospital treatment and surgery
Katoa thanked his future wife for standing beside him throughout a challenging year after his devastating head injury
Katoa experienced seizures and was rushed to hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery for bleeding on the brain.
After returning to Melbourne for further specialist assessment, he was ruled out for the entire 2026 season.
The handling of his injuries prompted an NRL investigation, which found concerns about communication between medical staff and the timely sharing of information necessary for his safety.
The league subsequently issued breach notices proposing lengthy bans for Tonga’s head doctor, assistant doctor and head trainer.
Throughout his recovery, Katoa has repeatedly acknowledged Aloua’s support, previously thanking her for remaining strong and staying by his side.
He has returned to non-contact training and remained involved with the Melbourne squad, supporting teammates while working towards a possible playing return.
Speaking in June about his recovery, Katoa said he wanted to focus on returning to the field rather than looking back.
He said his family would also factor into decisions about his future, with a return to professional rugby league still uncertain.
