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The Storm forward 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 extended period in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts in a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” said Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa 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 recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, 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 allowed to play in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.