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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after coming back from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

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

The club revealed this week that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO 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 athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, he was cleared to participate in the match and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The league has attempted to address issues around concussions in the game in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.