News | Rugby League

18 Nov 2025 21:33

| outlook hotmail | yahoo mail | gmail | news | weather | finance | shopping | about nzcity | Search |

NZCity News

News

Home > News > Sports > Rugby League

Storm forward Eli Katoa won't play in league's NRL next year

Storm forward Eli Katoa won't play in league's NRL next year

18 November 2025 - article from www.rugbyleague.co.nz

The club have confirmed Katoa won't be available for the 2026 season - after he required emergency brain surgery in the wake of Tonga's loss to the Kiwis in Auckland earlier this month.

The 25-year-old former Warriors player was rushed to hospital having taken three head knocks before and during the Pacific Championships test.

Storm CEO Justin Rodski says Katoa has returned to Melbourne but - after consultation with the club's doctor and neuro specialists - will not be available in 2026.

>> More Rugby League News

Subscribe to NZCity's Rugby League articles

© 2025 Newstalk ZB, NZCity

Other Rugby League News

18 Nov: A word of advice from Australian Rugby League boss Peter V'landys to outgoing NRL winger Zac Lomax amid speculation he'll defect to the breakaway R360 rugby competition

18 Nov: League's NRL still intend to enforce a 10-year ban on any player who leaves for rugby's R360 circuit, even via another competition like Japan's top flight

17 Nov: Parramatta have released wing Zac Lomax to pursue opportunities outside of league's NRL

15 Nov: Kiwi boxer Joseph Parker has rejected any wrongdoing, after it was revealed a drug test he took before his loss to British heavyweight Fabio Wardley came back positive

14 Nov: Tongan rugby league international Eliesa Katoa is set to be shifted from an Auckland hospital to one in Melbourne, as he continues his recovery following brain surgery

13 Nov: Melbourne Cup-winning jockey Jamie Melham has copped a 30-race meeting suspension after admitting to riding carelessly during a group three race at Flemington last week

13 Nov: Victor Radley will serve half of his 10 NRL league game ban for the Roosters in the competition proper, because the club have decided to count the tests between Australia and England and two pre-season matches as part of his punishment

Top Stories

RUGBY
The All Blacks are refusing to judge the year until it's in the history books - with one final match to come against Wales More...

BUSINESS
The Kiwi dollar is the weakest compared to Australia in 12 years - trading at just 87 Aussie cents More...

Today's News

International:
Most restrictive abortion bill in the US being considered 21:27

Entertainment:
Sofia Vergara is the new face of Skechers 21:25

Living & Travel:
A Christchurch man's one of New Zealand's newest millionaires - after a snap decision to get a Lotto ticket at Pak n Save Moorhouse - for the first time in 10 years 21:17

Entertainment:
Erin Doherty is "mind blown" by Louis Vuitton wanting to work with her 20:55

International:
COP30 decision by South Korea to shut down coal a reckoning for Australian exports 20:37

Entertainment:
Kelsea Ballerini and Chase Stokes "never really stopped" talking during their brief split 20:25

Entertainment:
Noah Schnapp credits Stranger Things with helping him become more comfortable with himself 19:55

Entertainment:
Jessica Alba's children are her top priority 19:25

Rugby League:
A word of advice from Australian Rugby League boss Peter V'landys to outgoing NRL winger Zac Lomax amid speculation he'll defect to the breakaway R360 rugby competition 18:57

Rugby:
The All Blacks are refusing to judge the year until it's in the history books - with one final match to come against Wales 18:57

News Search

© 2025 New Zealand City Ltd