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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team announced this week that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive 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 added 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 Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

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

The league has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.