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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while off the field, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed left Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club announced this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive 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 added that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the executive stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming 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 noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.