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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a international match versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

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

The club revealed recently that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

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

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

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

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.