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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following coming back from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts during a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a international match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team revealed this week that the forward has now come back and is recovering, 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 back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

However, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to training.”

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

League Investigation

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

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

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

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

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.