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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

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

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him home safely 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 looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the CEO stated that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished 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 National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

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

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the game in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.