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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

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

The club announced this week that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation 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 annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.