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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries in a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture versus the Kiwis. This led to seizures while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed resulted in the player in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The club revealed this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

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

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

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

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

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