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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a extended period in Auckland where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

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

The team announced recently that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

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

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in 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 international contest.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before coming off in the later stages.

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

The league has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.