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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating emergency medical attention.

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

The club announced recently that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

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

However, the CEO confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

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

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest.

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

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

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.