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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 coming back from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while off the field, requiring emergency medical attention.

A surgical procedure to address bleeding on the brain left Katoa in the hospital and temporarily grounded to his club base.

The team revealed recently that Katoa has finally returned home and is recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a local medical facility.

“His health and recovery are our number one priority,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “We are thrilled to have him back home and under the care of our medical staff and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the player is improving each day and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home.

Importantly, the executive stated that there is no set timeline 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 this pre-season and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a long road ahead ahead of him, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski concluded by noting that Katoa is a highly valued and respected part of the squad and club, and that the Storm family will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the events that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, seemed to sustain a concussion during the warm-up for the international contest.

Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two additional blows to the head before coming off in the second half.

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

The NRL has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the game in recent years, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.