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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 Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club revealed recently that Katoa has finally returned home 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 Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the CEO stated that there is no set timeline for his return to health 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,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was allowed to play in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

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

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.