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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

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

The team revealed recently that the forward has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital.

“His health and recovery remain our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli will not return to practice 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 primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the second half.

His state deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the game in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.