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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for Tonga in a international match against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left Katoa 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.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home 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 looking forward to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

However, the CEO stated that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, Katoa was allowed to play in the match and endured two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

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

The league has attempted to address issues around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.