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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, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while representing Tonga in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

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

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

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

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

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion 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 being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the sport in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.