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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 rugby league season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, following coming back from a extended period in New Zealand after undergoing a neurosurgical procedure.

Sequence of Events

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

A surgical procedure to relieve a brain bleed resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club revealed recently that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive a team official. “It is great to have him back home and under the supervision of our medical staff and local specialists.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski added that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, the executive confirmed that there is no set timeline for his return to health or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our doctor and neurology experts, Eli won't be back to practice this pre-season and is ruled out for the upcoming season,” Rodski declared. “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 much loved and respected part of the squad and organization, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his recovery.

Broader Context

The NRL is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that led to the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was named in the league's best lineup at the recent Dally M awards, appeared to suffer a head injury during the pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was allowed to play in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a medicab.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for injured athletes.