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 i

See Full Page