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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture against New Zealand. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed left 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 local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain 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 club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the player is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

However, the executive stated 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, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the events that resulted in 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.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.