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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the entire 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 athlete suffered three separate head injuries during a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club announced this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent years, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.