NRL fans and commentators are sending well-wishes to Eli Katoa after the Melbourne Storm announced on Tuesday he won’t play in 2026. Katoa is back in Melbourne after being hospitalised in Auckland following three head knocks during a game for Tonga against New Zealand in the Pacific Championships.
On Tuesday the Storm provided a major update and said he won’t be available for the entirety of the 2026 season. “Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” Storm CEP 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.”
Eli Katoa (far right) won’t play at all in 2026. Image: AAP
Rodski said at this stage there’s no timeline for a possible return to training. “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,” he 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.”
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Storm football manager Frank Ponissi and club doctor Jason Chan accompanied Katoa back home from New Zealand last weekend. He underwent further testing and assessment at a Melbourne hospital, and was released on Tuesday to continue his rehab at home.
Eli Katoa copped three separate head knocks while playing for Tonga against New Zealand. (Photo by Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
NRL set to release findings after Eli Katoa investigation
The NRL has completed an investigation into what transpired, and is expected to release the findings in coming days. Katoa suffered the initial blow to the head in an accidental collision with teammate Lehi Hopoate during the warm-up.
He didn’t undergo a HIA (head injury assessment) because Tongan officials said they didn’t see the collision at the time and also weren’t shown broadcast footage captured by Channel 9. He suffered a second knock during the game, but passed a subsequent HIA and was allowed to return to the field.
After a third knock he reported feeling ill on the sideline and had to be rushed to hospital. He had ‘seizure activity’ and required surgery to relieve swelling on his brain after bleed.
NRL world reacts to ‘sad’ news about Eli Katoa
On Tuesday, fans and commentators rallied around Katoa and sent him all their best. On SEN radio, former NRL player Joel Caine said: “Gee that’s sad. Good to hear he is on the improve, but to be missing a whole season…clearly there’s a lot of work to be done and thoughts and prayers all with Eli and his recovery because it’s very, very sad.
“Well done on the Storm not pushing him, it’s just such a shame. We did think this would be the case. He’s such a damaging player and it’s such a shame.”
Former Balmain and Roosters player Nat Wood added: “Eli Katoa has a big future and a long career ahead of him. But if I was him knowing what we know today, you have to seriously consider your health.”
SEN and Fox League commentator Andrew Voss wrote on social media: “I hope Eli Katoa’s shoulders are up to carrying the support of every rugby league fan.” While messages from fans came flooding in as well.