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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, following returning from a extended period in New Zealand where he underwent a neurosurgical procedure.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three separate head injuries in a single match while representing the Tongan national team in a international fixture against New Zealand. Subsequently, he experienced convulsions while on the sideline, requiring urgent medical care.

A medical operation to relieve bleeding on the brain resulted in Katoa hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

The team announced this week that the forward has finally returned home and is recovering, having also made a brief visit to a local medical facility.

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

Recovery and Rehabilitation

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

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

“After discussions with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli won't be back to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “He has a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on returning to full health before considering a potential comeback to training.”

Rodski finished by noting that Eli is a highly valued and respected member of our team and organization, and that the entire club will rally around him and support him through his recovery.

Broader Context

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

The talented player, who was selected for the league's best lineup at the annual awards ceremony, seemed to sustain a head injury during the warm-up for the international contest.

However, he was cleared to participate in the game and endured two more head impacts before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition worsened rapidly, and he needed medical oxygen beside the field before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address issues around concussions in the sport in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on high tackles and lengthening the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.