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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a international match versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed resulted in the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The club revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home 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 Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded 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 assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the second half.

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

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