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

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. This led to seizures while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The team announced this week that Katoa 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,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

Importantly, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and assist him during 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 annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match 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 on the sideline before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.