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The Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

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

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

The club announced this week that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the CEO stated that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the events that led to 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 international contest.

Despite this, Katoa 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 NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.