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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, following coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts in a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed resulted in 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 recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “It is great 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 improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

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

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before coming off in the later stages.

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

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