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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

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

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team revealed this week that Katoa has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to training.”

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 assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

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

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

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

His state deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.