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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after coming back from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

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

The club announced this week that Katoa has now come back 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 athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field 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.