🔗 Share this article Melbourne Storm Player Eli Katoa Ruled Out for Whole 2026 NRL Campaign After Multiple Head Impacts and Neurosurgery The Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, following coming back from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery. Sequence of Events The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a international match against New Zealand. This led to convulsions while off the field, requiring urgent medical care. A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne. The club announced recently that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital. “His health and recovery are our top concern,” stated Storm CEO Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.” Recovery and Rehabilitation Rodski added that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home. Importantly, 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 won't be back to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the upcoming season,” he emphasized. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on returning to full health 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 rally around him and support him through his rehabilitation period. League Investigation The NRL is wrapping up its investigation into the circumstances that resulted in the required neurosurgery. The talented player, who was selected for the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a concussion during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match. However, Katoa was allowed to play in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before coming off in the later stages. His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen on the sideline before being taken off on a medicab. The league has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the sport in recent years, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.