<h2>Storm Star Katoa Ruled Out of 2026 Season After Brain Surgery - Three Point Summary:&nbsp;</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>-Melbourne Storm star Eli Katoa ruled out for the entire 2026 NRL season following brain surgery after suffering three head knocks in 90 minutes</p> <p>-The 25-year-old underwent emergency surgery in New Zealand after experiencing seizure activity and brain bleeding during Pacific Cup duty for Tonga</p> <p>-NRL investigation into Tonga's handling of Katoa's head knocks expected to release findings soon, with the player now recovering at home</p> <p>Melbourne Storm have delivered devastating news regarding star player Eli Katoa, confirming he will miss the entire 2026 NRL season following emergency brain surgery after suffering multiple head knocks while representing Tonga in the Pacific Cup.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>Serious Head Injury Forces Extended Recovery</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The 25-year-old Katoa endured a frightening sequence of events during Tonga's Pacific Cup clash against New Zealand earlier this month, suffering three separate head knocks within 90 minutes.&nbsp;</p> <p>The situation escalated dramatically when Katoa experienced seizure activity on the sidelines, requiring immediate oxygen before being rushed to the hospital.</p> <p>Medical scans revealed brain bleeding, necessitating emergency surgery in New Zealand. After successfully completing the procedure, Katoa has since returned to Melbourne, where he remains under the care of Storm medical staff and specialist neurologists.</p> <p>Storm chief executive Justin Rodski emphasised the club's primary focus on their players' wellbeing rather than football considerations. "Eli's health and wellbeing remain our number one priority," Rodski stated. "It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our club doctor and local specialists."</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>No Timeline for Return to Training</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The severity of Katoa's brain injury means Storm medical staff cannot provide any definitive timeline for his recovery.&nbsp;</p> <p>Rodski confirmed that consultation with neurological specialists has ruled out any possibility of the talented outside back returning to training during the upcoming pre-season.</p> <p>"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," Rodski explained.&nbsp;</p> <p>"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."</p> <p>The club has released Katoa from the hospital, allowing him to continue his rehabilitation from home with ongoing medical supervision.&nbsp;</p> <p>This decision reflects confidence in his initial recovery progress while acknowledging the extended journey ahead.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <h2>NRL Investigation and Salary Cap Implications</h2> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>The circumstances surrounding Katoa's multiple head knocks have prompted an NRL investigation into Tonga's medical protocols during the Pacific Cup match.&nbsp;</p> <p>Particular scrutiny focuses on whether Katoa should have been cleared to continue playing after suffering an initial knock during the warm-up phase, which didn't trigger a Head Injury Assessment (HIA).</p> <p>The sequence of events saw Katoa pass an HIA after a second head knock in the first half, only to suffer the decisive third impact that ended his participation and led to the medical emergency.</p> <p>For Melbourne Storm's salary cap planning, Katoa's injury occurring during representative duty means his substantial contract will likely be excluded from their 2026 calculations.&nbsp;</p> <p>However, losing one of their premier players represents a significant blow to the club's premiership aspirations.</p> <p>Storm have rallied around their teammate, with Rodski confirming the entire organisation will support Katoa throughout his recovery journey. "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."</p> <p>The rugby league community awaits the NRL's investigation findings while hoping for Katoa's full recovery from this serious brain injury.</p>