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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries during a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed resulted in Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team revealed recently that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the player is making daily progress and is eager to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason 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 achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.