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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

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

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed resulted in the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed this week that Katoa 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 top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, 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 training this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup 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 coming off in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

The NRL has attempted to address issues 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.