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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 his home state, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international match versus New Zealand. This led to seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed resulted in Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

Importantly, the CEO stated that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli won't be back to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and endured two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.