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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts in a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain resulted in the player hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club announced this week that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

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

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

The league has attempted to address issues around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.