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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed left Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

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

“Eli’s health and wellbeing are our top concern,” said Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the player is making daily progress and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

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

“After discussions with our medical team and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to practice this pre-season 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 noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.