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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international match against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The team revealed this week that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely 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 pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the CEO stated that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.