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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, after returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single match while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match versus the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The team announced 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 are our top concern,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to training during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a long road ahead ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health prior to contemplating a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski concluded by saying that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will support him fully and support him through his recovery.

League Investigation

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

The talented player, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

However, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and endured two more head impacts before coming off in the later stages.

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

The league has attempted to address issues around concussions in the game in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.