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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for Tonga in a international fixture versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The team announced this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation 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 doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

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

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

The league has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.