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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after 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 playing for the Tongan national team in a international fixture versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed recently that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team 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 wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the second half.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.