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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a extended period in Auckland where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

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

The team 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.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added 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 set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

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

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the second half.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address issues around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.