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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a international match against New Zealand. This led to seizures while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed left Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The club announced recently that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.