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Rugby League Star to Miss NRL Season After Head Knocks in Tonga-Kiwis Clash
- On November 18, 2025, Melbourne Storm confirmed, '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 said.
- After suffering multiple blows, Eli Katoa sustained three head knocks in 90 minutes while playing for the Tonga national rugby league team against New Zealand, including a warm-up collision with teammate Lehi Hopoate.
- After weeks in an Auckland hospital, Eli Katoa returned to Melbourne for further testing and was released to continue home recovery.
- The club said it will support Katoa and prioritise his wellbeing as a much-loved member, and Melbourne Storm will likely receive salary cap relief due to his representative injury.
- The NRL's investigation is expected to report soon, while club doctors and neuro specialists say there is no set timeframe for Katoa's recovery and he faces a long road ahead.
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Tungian international had been operated on by the brain as a result of multiple head shocks. He was declared unfit for the 2026 season by his Australian club.
·Paris, France
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Operated from the brain after having received multiple shocks to the head, the second line of Tungian rugby to XIII Eli Katoa was banned from playing rugby for the 2026 season.
·Paris, France
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Storm star Eliesa Katoa ruled out for entire 2026 NRL season amid injury update
Melbourne Storm have provided an update on star second-rower Eli Katoa following a serious brain injury sustained while playing for Tonga, delivering a massive blow to the club’s premiership hopes with the forward set to be out long term with his career also in some doubt.
·North Carolina, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources18
Leaning Left5Leaning Right3Center3Last UpdatedBias Distribution46% Left
Bias Distribution
- 46% of the sources lean Left
46% Left
L 46%
C 27%
R 27%
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