🔗 Share this article

The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus New Zealand. This led to seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain 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 recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, 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 will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the events that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was cleared to participate in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.