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Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the complete 2026 NRL season as he focuses on rehabilitation at home in his home state, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old sustained three head impacts during a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a international fixture against the Kiwis. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, necessitating urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed resulted in Katoa hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

The club announced this week that the forward has now come back and is on the mend, having also made a brief visit to a Melbourne hospital.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our top concern,” said the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “We are thrilled to have him home safely and under the care of our medical staff and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is eager to pursuing his recovery from home.

However, the executive stated that there is no timeframe for Katoa’s recovery or a comeback to the field.

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Katoa won't be back to training 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 focus will be on achieving complete wellness prior to contemplating 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 club, and that the entire club will support him fully and assist him during his rehabilitation period.

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its inquiry into the events that resulted in the required neurosurgery.

The powerful forward, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a concussion during the pregame routine 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.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being taken off on a stretcher.

The NRL has sought to tackle concerns around concussions in the game in recent years, introducing crackdowns on high tackles and expanding the mandatory recovery time for affected players.