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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries during a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team announced this week that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The league has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.