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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries during a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a international match against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed resulted in the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club revealed this week that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“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 medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training this pre-season 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 prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

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

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.