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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single afternoon while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

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

The club revealed recently that Katoa has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.”

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

League Investigation

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

The powerful forward, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

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