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Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been officially ruled out the entire 2026 NRL season as he continues his recovery at home in his home state, after coming back from a prolonged stay in New Zealand after undergoing brain surgery.

What Happened

The 25-year-old suffered three separate head injuries during a single match while representing Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand. This led to convulsions while on the sideline, requiring emergency medical attention.

A medical operation to relieve a brain bleed left the player in the hospital and initially unable to travel to his club base.

The club announced this week that Katoa has now come back and is recovering, 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 back home and under the supervision of our club doctor and local specialists.”

The Road to Recovery

Rodski added that the player 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 potential return to training.

“In consultation with our doctor and neurology experts, Katoa will not return to practice this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski declared. “There is a lengthy recovery process ahead of him, and his primary goal will be on achieving complete wellness before considering any form of return to rugby league activities.”

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

Broader Context

The National Rugby League is wrapping up its investigation into the events 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 international contest.

However, he was allowed to play in the match and suffered two additional blows to the head before being substituted in the later stages.

Katoa’s condition deteriorated quickly, and he required oxygen on the sideline before being removed from the field on a stretcher.

The league has attempted to address issues around head injuries in the sport in recent seasons, implementing stricter enforcement on dangerous contact and expanding the post-concussion stand down period for affected players.