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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, following coming back from a extended period in Auckland where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for Tonga in a international fixture versus the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club announced recently that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

However, the CEO confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to practice this pre-season 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 achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the Storm family will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

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, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

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

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

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the sport in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.