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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 Auckland where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club revealed this week that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation 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 annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

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