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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for Tonga in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed left the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed this week that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished 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 support him through his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

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