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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three head impacts in a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team announced recently that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back 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 focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering a potential comeback to training.”

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

League Investigation

The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the events that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

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

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.