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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts in a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a international fixture versus New Zealand. This led to seizures while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team announced recently that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

However, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting 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 recovery.

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was cleared to participate in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.