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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

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

The club 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 number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 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 training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.