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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts in a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left the player hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The club announced this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback 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 Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.