🔗 Share this article

The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts during a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain resulted in the player hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

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

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the second half.

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

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.