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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 coming back from a prolonged stay in Auckland after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old athlete sustained three head impacts in a single afternoon while playing for the Tongan national team in a Pacific Championship fixture versus New Zealand. This led to convulsions while off the field, necessitating emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to address a brain bleed left the player hospitalized and temporarily grounded back to Melbourne.

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

“His health and recovery remain our top concern,” stated the club's chief executive Justin Rodski. “It is great to have him back home and under the care of our club doctor and specialist physicians.”

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Rodski noted that the athlete is improving each day and is looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation in a home environment.

Importantly, the CEO confirmed that there is no set timeline for Katoa’s recovery or a potential return to training.

“In consultation with our medical team and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to practice during the preseason and is ruled out for the 2026 season,” he emphasized. “There is a lengthy recovery process in his recovery, and his focus will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to training.”

Rodski finished by saying that Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club, and that the entire club will rally around him and assist him during his recovery.

League Investigation

The National Rugby League is currently finalizing its inquiry into the circumstances that resulted in 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 pregame routine for the Pacific Championship match.

Despite this, Katoa was cleared to participate in the game and endured two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the second half.

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

The league has sought to tackle issues around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, implementing crackdowns on dangerous contact and lengthening the mandatory recovery time for injured athletes.