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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after returning from a extended period in Auckland where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries during a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain resulted in the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team revealed this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

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

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent years, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.