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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts in a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club revealed recently that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

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

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.