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

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single afternoon while playing for Tonga in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

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

The team announced this week that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

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 set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.