What happened to Eli Katoa?

Eli Katoa, a backrower for the Melbourne Storm, suffered three head injuries in one Pacific Championship match while playing for Tonga, leading to brain surgery and a lengthy recovery.

How long will Eli Katoa be out?

Katoa has been ruled out for the entire 2026 season as he focuses on his recovery and rehabilitation.

Where did Eli Katoa's injuries occur?

Katoa's injuries happened during a Pacific Championship match between Tonga and New Zealand, where he suffered three head impacts in one afternoon.

Home / Sports / Storm Backrower Sidelined for 2026 Season After Brain Surgery

Storm Backrower Sidelined for 2026 Season After Brain Surgery

18 Nov, 2025

•

Summary

Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa ruled out for 2026 season
Katoa suffered three head injuries in one Pacific Championship match
Underwent brain surgery to relieve bleeding, now recovering at home

Storm Backrower Sidelined for 2026 Season After Brain Surgery

As of November 18th, 2025, Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa has been ruled out for the entire 2026 season as he continues his recovery from brain surgery. The 25-year-old suffered a series of devastating head injuries last month while playing for Tonga in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand.

Katoa experienced three separate impacts to the head during the game, which led to him suffering seizures on the sideline and requiring emergency medical attention. The concerning incident prompted Katoa to undergo a procedure to relieve bleeding on the brain, leaving him hospitalized and initially unable to travel back to Melbourne.

After a prolonged stay in Auckland, Katoa has now safely returned home to Victoria and is under the care of the Storm's club doctor and local specialists. While he is improving each day, the Storm has confirmed there is no set timeframe for Katoa's recovery or potential return to training.