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The Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts in a single match while playing for Tonga in a international match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

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

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its investigation into the events 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 warm-up for the Pacific Championship match.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and endured two more head impacts before coming off in the second half.

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

The league has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.