Channel Nine commentator and former NRL great Paul Gallen has called on lifetime ban action to be considered following the handling of Eli Katoa after he suffered a trio of head knocks during the Tonga vs New Zealand international rugby league game on November 2.
The Melbourne Storm star’s career remains in jeopardy after being ruled out of the entire 2026 NRL season as he recovers from brain surgery.
Katoa copped an accidental hit to his head from teammate Lehi Hopoate in the pre-game warm up – however his medical team cleared him to play to which he suffered another two head knocks during the game.
The 25-year-old looked distressed while sitting on the bench after the final knock midway through the second half, with a bloodshot eye, a cut on his cheek, and blood streaming down his face.
He suffered “seizure activity” and was then given an oxygen mask.
It was later revealed Katoa suffered brain bleeding because of the incident and had to undergo brain surgery at a hospital in Auckland.
After spending more than a week in hospital with the support of his partner and mother he returned to Melbourne to continue his recovery.
The NRL are finalising its investigation into how Katoa was allowed to play on, as Tongan officials face heavy scrutiny.
Former State of Origin NSW Blues great calls on lifetime bans
Gallen, a former 348-game Cronulla Sharks lock and heavyweight boxer, told the Sydney Morning Herald a lifetime ban should be looked at for anyone who oversaw the handling of the incident.
“Anyone who has not done their job properly in this matter that has clearly let the player down should be sidelined for a minimum of a year at least, if not a life ban,” the Channel Nine commentator said.
“It was ridiculous. Eli is out for a year at least, and in judicial cases that’s a factor, but this is much more serious. What happened to Katoa was a disgrace.
“How’s Katoa going to be in the next 10-20 years? No one yet has taken any responsibility for this. There’s now an investigation. Well, the NRL needs to come down like a tonne of bricks on the person or those responsible and a year is the minimum ban. This could maybe cost him his career. But forget that, it could have cost him his life.
“We had the greatest 2025 season, and unfortunately, it will end like this. Someone needs to be held responsible.”
Katoa’s family speaks out over ugly incident
Katoa’s family has refused to point the finger at anyone. with the star’s uncle Reverend Setelo Katoa telling radio station PMN it wasn’t the fault of the coaches or doctors.
“Basically they’re saying it’s not the coach’s fault, it’s not the doctor’s, they’re saying that Eli wanted to play and represent his country,’’ PMN radio host Nicholas Pulu explained to Code Sports.
“They’re not blaming anyone. He wanted to play.
“That’s the pride of one’s country. That they will do whatever it takes to represent, even if it means putting your body literally on the line and I think that’s the sacrifice that he’s put himself in that unfortunately in this case, he’s ended up injured.”
Katoa’s NRL club provide latest update
The Melbourne Storm has since provided an update on Katoa as he continues to receive specialist care for further testing and assessment while recovering from home.
“Eli’s health and wellbeing remain our number one priority,” Storm CEO Justin Rodski said.
“It is great to have him home safely and under the care of our Club doctor and local specialists. He is improving each day and looking forward to continuing his rehabilitation from home.”
Rodski confirmed the Dally M Second Rower of the Year will not return for pre-season and will be sidelined for 2026.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Rugby league world left outraged
Days after the incident, many rugby league fans remain outraged that Katoa was free to play after his first head knock.
“I feel a bit angry about the situation,” former New Zealand international Shaun Johnson said on the Play on Sport Show.
“I don’t get how it can even get to that point, but from a player’s view, we just hope that Eli’s all good. Anyone that’s been in that situation or has seen teammates in that situation, it’s the worst thing to see.
“I’m just going to say it – there is going to be fallout over this. There are going to be some heads that are rolled because I do not know how Eli Katoa was allowed to take the field.”
Commentator Andrew Voss said on SEN the incident was a “sickening, unbelievable situation.”
“I think it’s indefensible.
“If I’m Melbourne, I’m saying I want a full detailed description of how that played out.
“Looking at that incident before the game, that’s category 1 to my untrained doctor eye.
“Melbourne wouldn’t send him back on after that.”
Katoa had become one of the most consistent performers in the game since joining the Storm from the Warriors in 2023.
Since joining Craig Bellamy’s side, he has scored 32 tries in 72 games and featured in two back-to-back grand final defeats.