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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 his home state, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

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

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team revealed recently that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated 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 making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent years, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.