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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries during a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

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

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

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the Storm family will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

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

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

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

The NRL has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.