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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

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

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

The club revealed recently that Katoa has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.