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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while representing Tonga in a international match against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team announced recently that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

Importantly, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, 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 coming off in the later stages.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.