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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for Tonga in a international match versus the Kiwis. This led to seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

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

The team revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

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

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying 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.

League Investigation

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

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was allowed to play in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.