🔗 Share this article Melbourne Storm Star Eli Katoa Sidelined for Entire 2026 NRL Campaign After Multiple Head Impacts and Neurosurgery The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery. What Happened The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship fixture against New Zealand. This led to seizures while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention. A surgical procedure to address a brain bleed resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base. The club revealed this week that Katoa has finally returned home and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility. “Eli’s health and wellbeing are our number one priority,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.” Recovery and Rehabilitation Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home. However, the executive confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a potential return to training. “In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, 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 before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.” Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during 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 selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match. However, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages. His state worsened rapidly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a medicab. The NRL has attempted to address concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.