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

Sequence of Events

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

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

The club announced this week that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli 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.

Broader Context

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

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was allowed to play in the match and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.