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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after coming back from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts in a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a international match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain resulted in the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

However, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.