Eli Katoa ruled out of 2026 season by Melbourne doctor, specialists

Melbourne will receive up to $600,000 in salary cap relief after the Storm’s medical team made the stunning call to sideline Eli Katoa for the entire 2026 NRL season.

Katoa underwent emergency surgery in Auckland after he suffered a string of sickening head knocks playing for Tonga against New Zealand on November 2.

The back-rower remained in an Auckland hospital until last Friday before he returned to Melbourne and spent a further four nights being monitored by specialists.

Storm chief executive Justin Rodski confirmed the decision to rule Katoa out for the year in consultation with medical staff had been tough – but said the 25-year-old’s wellbeing was the club’s “number one priority”.

“It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists,” Rodski said.

“He is improving each day and looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.”

While Katoa has not given up on returning in the back half of next season, Rodski says there is no timeline for a possible comeback.

“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,” he said.

“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.

Under NRL rules, the Storm will be eligible for cap relief because Katoa was injured while on representative duty.

Katoa is earning about $600,000 a season, but there are no top-quality back-rowers on the market. They have already farewelled halfback Jonah Pezet (Parramatta), and cut fullback Ryan Papenhuyzen and prop Nelson Asofa-Solomona since the grand final loss to Brisbane, and the loss of Katoa – and his persistent attacking threat on the edges – leaves a giant hole.

The NRL’s insurance will also cover most of Katoa’s salary as he was playing in the Pacific Championships.

The NRL has completed its investigation into why Katoa was allowed to play after TV cameras captured him being knocked out by teammate Lehi Hopoate before kick-off. Katoa then suffered two further head knocks during the match. The findings have not been released.

Tonga were privately disappointed they were not made aware of the footage showing Hopoate colliding with Katoa until after full-time, despite it being replayed on the live broadcast before the match. Tonga officials said that had they seen the vision, they would not have allowed Katoa to play.

Tonga coach Kristian Woolf remained in Auckland for nine days to be by Katoa’s side. John Hopoate, Lehi’s father, confirmed his son had been targeted by trolls for his part in the pre-game clash.