The NRL has moved to ban four Tongan rugby league officials for two years after an investigation found serious failures in the handling of Eliesa Katoa’s head injuries during Tonga’s Pacific Championships match against New Zealand at Eden Park in November, where the 25-year-old later required brain surgery.
Despite a heavy head knock in warm-up and two further blows during the match, Katoa was allowed to play and remain on the field, with crucial medical information allegedly not shared between staff.
The NRL said its review raised major concerns over breaches of concussion protocols and communication breakdowns among the team’s medical personnel, prompting breach notices for the head doctor, assistant doctor and head trainer, while the medical assistant received a formal warning.
All individuals have five days to respond and must complete further training under the NRL’s concussion-management rules.
