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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, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed resulted in the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club announced this week that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

However, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.