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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after returning from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts in a single match while representing Tonga in a international match against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

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

The club revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing 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 care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

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

Broader Context

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 recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.