🔗 Share this article

Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, following coming back from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries during a single match while playing for the Tongan national team in a international match versus New Zealand. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to address bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The club announced this week that Katoa has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.

Importantly, the executive confirmed that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our medical team and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

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

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

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