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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts in a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is eager 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.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the events that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

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