Eli Katoa\u2019s ugly trio of head knocks which led to an emergency brain surgery was \u201cvery upsetting\u201d according to one league legend \u2014 who has declared a similar situation can \u201cnever happen again\u201d.<\/p>\n
The Storm released a statement on Tuesday, confirming the gun back rower won\u2019t take the field in 2026 after returning from Auckland to Melbourne.<\/p>\n
While playing for Tonga, Katoa had to be administered urgent medical help on the sideline after suffering a seizure before he was rushed to hospital.<\/p>\n
Watch the latest episode of the Kayo Sports NRL Podcast here!<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Watch The Ashes 2025\/26 LIVE and ad-break free during play with FOX CRICKET on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n He then underwent surgery relieve pressure on his brain \u2014 with the Storm confirming he has a \u201clong road ahead in his recovery\u201d and it remains to be seen if he will ever be free to play in the NRL again.<\/p>\n An emotional Cooper Cronk delivered a damning assessment of the situation, speaking on the Kayo Sports NRL Podcast.<\/p>\n He declared NRL powerbrokers must release the findings of their investigation into the matter after Katoa \u201cslipped through the cracks\u201d before suffering a serious medical emergency.<\/p>\n \u201cThis whole story is very upsetting from a lot of angles, this simply cannot happen, it should never have happened,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe fact that a player plays a game with all the video evidence, with all the care-factor that has been drilled into our game the last couple of years with HIA concerns.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is one that slipped through the cracks. You can\u2019t change history, I hope Eli and his family are okay, and a speedy recovery.<\/p>\n Eliesa Katoa has been ruled out for the 2026 NRL season.Source: Getty Images<\/p>\n \u201cBut Peter V\u2019landys and Andrew Abdo need to make sure this never happens again. If it is sanctions, if it is a thorough investigation. I would like to see someone come out publicly and explain the situation. <\/p>\n \u201cBecause we have mums and dads and family members who love our game, they go off and play junior rugby league every weekend.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t think we can let this one slip through… it needs to be researched, investigated and there needs to be something delivered publicly around why this will never happen again.\u201d<\/p>\n Legendary enforcer Steve Roach also delivered a blunt verdict on the situation.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd someone\u2019s head is going to roll,\u201d Roach said, to which Cronk replied: \u201cUnfortunately, yes\u201d.<\/p>\n The NRL introduced concussion guidelines in 2014, which has evolved to the current system which sees players stood down for 11 days after suffering a head knock.<\/p>\n Overall, the attitudes towards concussion across the game have also changed \u2014 but still, Cronk believes Katoa is a case study in the potential gaps in the system.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s hard for Blocker and I to relay our set-up when we were playing, because there weren\u2019t the protective systems in place,\u201d Cronk said.<\/p>\n \u201cThe way the game is protected today, that never should have happened. It\u2019s as simple as that, someone should be responsible, something should come of it. <\/p>\n Will Payne Haas leave the Broncos? | 06:40<\/p>\n \u201cI would encourage Peter and Andrew to find out exactly what happened and make sure it never happens again.<\/p>\n \u201cHow many times do we see a player have a concussion, and an opposition player stops play, picks them up and makes sure they\u2019re okay.<\/p>\n \u201cSo that culture has changed significantly in a much better way, this just cannot from a procedure point of view, it can\u2019t happen.\u201d<\/p>\n Roach echoed Cronk\u2019s opinion, revealing how the attitude regarding head knocks has shifted since his playing days.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad it\u2019s changed, it used to be if you had a bad head cut or a bad knock it was a badge of honour to stay out there,\u201d Roach said.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m glad that\u2019s changed because there is a lot of blokes struggling at the moment.\u201d<\/p>\n Will Zac Lomax join the rival R360 comp? | 05:57<\/p>\n MORE NRL NEWS<\/p>\n NOV 1 LIVE: Origin star set for Cowboys exit; Raiders poach another Broncos gun <\/a><\/p>\n SOUTHS\u2019 STATE OF PLAY: Enforcer\u2019s exit fears amid fairytale reunion roster fix<\/a><\/p>\n