🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts in a single match while representing Tonga in a international match versus New Zealand. This led to seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain resulted in the player 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.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

However, the executive confirmed that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully 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 talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and endured 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 taken off on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.