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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating emergency medical attention.

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

The team revealed this week that Katoa has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain 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 local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, the executive stated that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

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

His state deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.