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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture versus New Zealand. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club announced recently that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is 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 Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through 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 selected for the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, 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 coming off in the second half.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the sport in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.