🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts in a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture versus the Kiwis. This led to seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club announced recently that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

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 timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head 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 league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.