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The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for Tonga in a international match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed left the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team announced recently that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the player is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

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

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

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

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

However, he was allowed to play in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

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

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