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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

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

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed left the player hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team announced 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 are our top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

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

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.