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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after coming back from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed resulted in the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club announced this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the executive stated that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

His state deteriorated quickly, 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 sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.