Tonga rugby league\u2019s medical team are facing bans of up to two years, following an investigation into the events surrounding Eli Katoa\u2019s head injuries during the Pacific Championships.<\/p>\n
Melbourne Storm forward Katoa suffered three head knocks during the Pacific Island nation\u2019s clash with New Zealand \u2013 one in the warm-up and two during the game \u2013 and was later sent for emergency surgery following a bleed on the brain.<\/p>\n
Since then, the prop forward has been ruled out of the entirety of the 2026 season by his club.<\/p>\n
\u2018The investigation has identified a number of serious concerns\u2019<\/p>\n
Following a full investigation into the incident, the NRL have said they found \u2018a number of serious concerns regarding possible breaches of the NRL Rules and protocols\u2019 by Tongan medical staff, as well as citing a breakdown in communication between them, and since handed the team\u2019s head doctor, assistant doctor and head trainer 24-month bans. The team\u2019s medical assistant has also been handed a formal warning.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe NRL has investigated an incident at Eden Park, New Zealand on 2 November 2025 that led to the injury of Tonga XIII<\/a> Player, Eliesa Katoa,\u201d a statement issued by the NRL read.<\/p>\n \u201cThe NRL<\/a> is continuing to support Mr Katoa and his family during his important recovery.<\/p>\n \u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThese 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.<\/p>\n \u201cThe NRL Rules and protocols exist to protect player safety and wellbeing and must be followed.<\/p>\n \u201cAll on-field NRL trainers and medical personnel are required to annually complete the NRL\u2019s Elite Head Injury\/Concussion protocols as well as maintain minimum standards of medical qualification and education.<\/p>\n \u201cFour Tonga XIII officials have each received a Breach notice under the NRL Rules. The proposed penalties for each individual are as follows:<\/p>\n Head Doctor \u2013 a prohibition from being concerned, whether directly or indirectly, with any Club, Team or Player in the NRL Competitions, Representative Competitions or any other competition conducted under the auspices of the NRL or ARLC for a period of no less than 24 months. \u201cAdditionally, the yellow shirt trainer (Medical Assistant) has been issued with a formal warning.<\/p>\n \u201cAll individuals will also be required to undergo further training on their responsibilities under the NRL Rules and the NRL\u2019s policy for the management of possible head injuries and concussion.<\/p>\n \u201cEach individual has five business days to respond to the Breach notice.\u201d<\/p>\n Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf was cleared by the investigation.<\/p>\n MONDAY\u2019S READS ON LRL<\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Kevin Sinfield completes superhuman \u20187 in 7: Together\u2019 challenge as huge total raised for MND community<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Speaker throws weight behind Kevin Sinfield knighthood calls with 9-word post<\/a><\/p>\n \ud83d\udc49\ud83c\udffb Kevin Sinfield smashes fundraising target for latest 7 in 7 challenge ahead of Headingley return<\/a><\/p>\n
\nAssistant Doctor \u2013 a prohibition from being concerned, whether directly or indirectly, with any Club, Team or Player in the NRL Competitions, Representative Competitions or any other competition conducted under the auspices of the NRL or ARLC for a period of no less than 24 months.
\nOrange Shirt Trainer (Head Trainer) \u2013 a prohibition from being concerned, whether directly or indirectly, with any Club, Team or Player in the NRL Competitions, Representative Competitions or any other competition conducted under the auspices of the NRL or ARLC for a period of 24 months.<\/p>\n