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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts in a single afternoon while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team announced this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is eager to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

Importantly, the executive stated that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

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

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, he was cleared to participate in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

The league has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.