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

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts in a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a international match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

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

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

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

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

However, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has 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 noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances 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 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 needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.