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Melbourne 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 where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

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

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.