🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts in a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against New Zealand. This led to convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed resulted in Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The team revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice 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 a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that led to the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.