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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries during a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The club revealed recently that Katoa has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice 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 primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in 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 suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

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

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.