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

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries in a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

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

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” said Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the athlete is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

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

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the circumstances 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, appeared to suffer a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

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

The NRL has attempted to address issues around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.