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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed resulted in Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club announced this week that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” said Storm CEO a team official. “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 continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal 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 member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing 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 annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.