Eli Katoa, a Melbourne back rower, has big shoes to fill. Playing second row for the Storm is a prestigious position, with past players like Ryan Hoffman, Felise Kaufusi, Kevin Proctor, Kenny Bromwich, Tohu Harris, Sika Manu, and Adam Blair achieving international success. Some were plucked from junior ranks, while others earned their chances through hard work.
Katoa, hailing from the Tongan village of Koulo, has a unique story. Despite his remote upbringing, he now stands as the current heir to the Storm’s second-row throne. He treasures his family and community back home, always striving to bring them closer to his new life in Melbourne.
With standout performances like his recent game against the Roosters, Katoa has shown why the Storm were eager to sign him. His blend of size, agility, and skill make him a valuable asset on the field. Despite being relatively new to the NRL, Katoa is determined to live up to the legacy of great Melbourne back rowers.
While he acknowledges he still has much to learn, Katoa’s confidence is growing. He credits his teammates for helping him adapt to the Storm’s system and improve his game. With dedication and hard work, he aims to become the next success story in Melbourne’s back row.
“I don’t have any family in Melbourne but I live near some of the boys and they’re always there for me.”
Katoa will again form a big part of Melbourne’s game plan when they take on the Rabbitohs on Anzac Day.
The match is one of the club’s highlights of the season, with a bumper crowd expected at AAMI Park, and they will all be watching back home.
The CEO of Digicel bought a TV for Katoa’s mother not long after his NRL debut so she could see her boy play and now half the village comes around to watch the pride of Koulo as he strives to live up to what’s come before him.
He’s doing everything he can to get there and they’re all with him every step of the way.
“They loved the Warriors,” Katoa said.
“But as soon as I moved, they all jumped on the Storm.”
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