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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a extended period in Auckland where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries in a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The team announced this week that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

Importantly, the executive stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

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 required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.