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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 coming back from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, 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 home safely and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

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

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.