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

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries during a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team announced this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the match and endured two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.