🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, 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 representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

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

The team revealed recently that the forward has now come back and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training.

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

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

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

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and endured two additional blows to the head 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 sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.