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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed left the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club announced this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the executive confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.