Katoa warned to 'seriously consider health' after triple head knock

The Melbourne Storm have confirmed that Eli Katoa has been ruled out of the 2026 NRL season.

The heart-breaking news comes weeks after he was forced to undergo brain surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after sustaining multiple head knocks while playing for Tonga in the Pacific Championships.

“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski said.

“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.

“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 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.”

Distressing vision of the Storm star being attended to by medical staff and teammates on the sideline during Tonga's clash with the Kiwis went viral earlier this month.

It emerged Katoa had sustained a significant head knock during the warm-up but had not undergone a pre-match HIA. He went on to require two further assessments during the match before being taken off after 51 minutes.

It was while sitting on the sidelines that his condition deteriorated and he was taken with an oxygen mask to hospital where he underwent surgery to ease pressure on his brain.

He has finally returned to Melbourne where the Storm will support his continuing recovery.

Reacting to the news on air, Joel Caine was glad to hear that his condition is improving despite being unable to play next season.

"Gee that's sad," he said on SEN's Run Home.

"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 it's such a shame."

Former Balmain Tiger and Sydney Rooster, Nathan Wood was also on air with the The Run Home team admitting he was surprised that he made the field in that match.

“I was watching that game and before it come on, they showed what had happened to them,” Wood said.

“I was thinking surely, they not going to let this bloke on the field.

“And then when he got the two head knocks, I kept watching him on the sidelines and I was looking at the trainer talking to him, and you see him at one stage mouth the words "I'm ‘effed.

“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.”