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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

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

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” stated 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 noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and organization, and that the Storm family will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that led to the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

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

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.