🔗 Share this article

The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after returning from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team revealed this week that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has 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 part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.