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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, after coming back from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

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

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our top concern,” said Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.