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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, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

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

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club revealed recently 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,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the CEO stated 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 won't be back to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events 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 concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the later stages.

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

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.