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Melbourne 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, following returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team announced recently that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

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

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

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The league has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.