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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following returning from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

Sequence of Events

The 25-year-old athlete suffered three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing the Tongan national team in a international match versus the Kiwis. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed this week that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

The Road to Recovery

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

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

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli won't be back to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

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

Broader Context

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

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest.

However, he was allowed to play 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 beside the field before being taken off on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for affected players.