🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after coming back from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for Tonga in a international match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed resulted in Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The club revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

However, the executive confirmed that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

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

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the sport in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.