🔗 Share this article

The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after returning from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts in a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. This led to seizures while off the field, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club announced this week 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,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, 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 neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to training during the preseason and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to rugby league activities.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a much loved and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The talented player, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine for the international contest.

However, he was cleared to participate in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The league has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the game in recent years, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.