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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries during a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture versus New Zealand. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

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

The club revealed this week that Katoa has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

However, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to training this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Eli is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle 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.