🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture versus New Zealand. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

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

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and endured two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

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

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.