🔗 Share this article

The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club announced this week that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

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

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the game in recent seasons, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.