Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been ruled out for the 2026 NRL season after undergoing brain surgery due to multiple head injuries sustained during a Pacific Championship match. The 25-year-old suffered three separate head impacts in a single afternoon while playing for Tonga against New Zealand, and following seizures on the sideline, he was rushed for emergency medical care.
Katoa underwent surgery to relieve bleeding on the brain and was initially unable to return to Melbourne, spending an extended period in Auckland for treatment. He has since returned home to Victoria and is continuing his recovery under the care of the club’s medical team and local specialists.
The club’s management emphasized that Katoa’s health and wellbeing are their priority, with no specific timeframe set for his recovery or potential return to the field. Katoa will not participate in the pre-season and has been ruled out for the entirety of the 2026 season.
Melbourne Storm’s chief executive, Justin Rodski, expressed the club’s commitment to supporting Katoa through his recovery process. He stated, “Eli has a long road ahead in his recovery, and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any return to training.”
The NRL is currently investigating the circumstances leading to Katoa’s injuries, with concerns raised about the management of head injuries in rugby league. Katoa had appeared to suffer a concussion during the warm-up for the match but was cleared to play and later suffered additional head impacts during the game, prompting a rapid deterioration in his condition. He was ultimately removed from the field by medicab and given oxygen.
The Rugby League Players’ Association (RLPA) has also pledged support, with CEO Clint Newton stating that their focus remains on ensuring Katoa receives the medical care he needs for a full recovery. The NRL continues to enhance its protocols surrounding head injuries, including expanded post-concussion protocols and crackdowns on high tackles, to safeguard players’ health.
