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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts in a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus New Zealand. This led to convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain resulted in the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed recently that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

Importantly, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and won’t be available 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 concluded by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.