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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

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

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club revealed recently that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” 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 athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli 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 recovery.

Broader Context

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

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the later stages.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.