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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries in a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed resulted in the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team announced recently that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback 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 support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the events 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 international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.