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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. This led to seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain left the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

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

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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 neurology experts, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address issues around concussions in the sport in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.