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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following returning from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture against the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team revealed recently that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated Storm CEO 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 player is making daily progress and is eager to pursuing his recovery in a home environment.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

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

However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a stretcher.

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