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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

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

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our top concern,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the events that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

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

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

The league has attempted to address issues around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.