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

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The club announced this week 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 are our top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting 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 currently finalizing 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 recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a medicab.

The NRL has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.