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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for Tonga in a international fixture against New Zealand. This led to seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit 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.”

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 CEO stated that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances 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, seemed to sustain 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 second half.

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

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