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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three separate head injuries in a single afternoon while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed resulted in the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club announced recently that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care 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.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed 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 upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has 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 concluded by noting that Katoa 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 recovery.

Broader Context

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

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game 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 removed from the field on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.