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

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus New Zealand. This led to seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club revealed this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

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

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the player is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the CEO stated that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “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 noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

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

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.