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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

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

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, 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 member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

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

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.