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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after coming back from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts in a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team announced recently that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

However, the executive confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor 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 ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a medicab.

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.