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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in Victoria, after returning from a extended period in Auckland after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts in a single match while playing for Tonga in a international match against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The team announced recently that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the player is making daily progress and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health 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 organization, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the events that led to Katoa’s surgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the competition’s team of the year at the annual awards ceremony, appeared to suffer a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

His state worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, implementing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.