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

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single match while representing Tonga in a international match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer 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 coming off in the second half.

His state 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 issues around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.