🔗 Share this article NRL Club Star Eli Katoa Sidelined for Whole 2026 Season Following Multiple Head Impacts and Neurosurgery The Storm backrower Eli Katoa will miss the complete 2026 rugby league season as he continues his recovery at home in Victoria, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent brain surgery. What Happened The 25-year-old athlete suffered three separate head injuries in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international match versus New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced seizures while off the field, requiring urgent medical care. A medical operation to relieve 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 recovering, having also been briefly admitted to a Melbourne hospital. “His health and recovery are our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him home safely and under the supervision of our medical staff and specialist physicians.” Recovery and Rehabilitation Rodski noted that the athlete is making daily progress and is looking forward to pursuing his recovery from home. However, the CEO confirmed that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training. “In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “He has a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating any form of return to training.” Rodski concluded by noting that Eli is a much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his recovery. League Investigation The NRL is currently finalizing its investigation into the events that resulted in Katoa’s surgery. The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest. Despite this, he was allowed to play in the game and suffered two more head impacts before being substituted in the second half. His state deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher. The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, introducing stricter enforcement on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.