Eli Katoa has been ruled out for the entire 2026 NRL season.
The Melbourne Storm forward was forced to undergo emergency surgery in Auckland after suffering three separate heads knocks playing for Tonga against New Zealand earlier this month.
Eli Katoa is assisted from the field prior to being admitted to hospital.Credit: Getty Images
The 25-year-old is now back in Melbourne, but the Storm’s doctor and neuro specialists met in recent days and decided the safest option was to sideline the player for the entirety of next season to give him the best chance of making a full recovery.
“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our No.1 priority,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski said in a statement. “It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists. He is improving each day and looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.”
While Katoa wants to resume his NRL career, Rodski said there was no timeline for a possible return to training.
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“In consultation with our doctor and neuro specialists, Eli will not return to training this pre-season and won’t be available for the 2026 season,” Rodski said. “He has a long road ahead in his recovery and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.
“Eli is a much loved and respected member of our team and club. The Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.”
Katoa is contracted to the Storm until the end of 2027.
