Three Tonga team officials involved in the handling of Eliesa Katoa’s head knocks have been issued potential two-year bans as the star forward’s recovery from brain surgery continues.
Katoa needed fluid drained from his brain after suffering three separate blows to the head before and during Tonga’s Pacific Championships clash against New Zealand on November 2.
Eli Katoa’s career is under a cloud after suffering three head knocks playing for Tonga last month.Credit: Getty Images
The Melbourne back-rower remained in an Auckland hospital for nearly a fortnight before he was allowed to fly home. Katoa will now miss the 2026 season with the Storm following advice from several medical experts and the club doctor.
After a lengthy investigation, the NRL issued breach notices proposing two-year suspensions to Tonga’s head doctor, assistant doctor and orange shirt trainer over Katoa’s on-field treatment.
Tonga’s yellow shirt trainer was also issued a formal warning. All four officials have five business days to respond to the breach notices.
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“The investigation has identified a number of serious concerns regarding possible breaches of the NRL Rules and protocols by a number of individuals in the way that Mr Katoa was treated,” an NRL statement said.
“These concerns relate to a possible breakdown in communication between responsible medical and health professionals in relation to the safety of Mr Katoa, including through a failure to share and disclose information that was vital to the health of the player.
“The NRL Rules and protocols exist to protect player safety and wellbeing and must be followed.”
