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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for Tonga in a international match against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed resulted in the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

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

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the executive confirmed that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

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

The powerful forward, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.