🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts in a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed resulted in Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team revealed this week that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” said Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa 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 primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

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

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion 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 deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.