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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed left the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team announced this week that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely 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 eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the executive stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that led to the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.