Revealed: The doctors, head trainer facing bans over Eli Katoa HIA controversy
Three people at the centre of the Eliesa Katoa concussion drama which left the Tongan and Storm star with bleeding on the brain have been issued bombshell sanctions.
Two doctors and the head trainer that allowed Tongan and Storm forward Eliesa Katoa to play with repeated head knocks have been suspended from working in rugby league for a minimum of two years.
The NRL have handed down the bombshell sanctions following an exhaustive investigation into the series of events that has left Katoa fighting to save his flourishing NRL career.
The 25-year-old required brain surgery from concussions, including a sickening head knock during the warm-up, while playing for Tonga against New Zealand in Auckland on November 2.
The NRL have announced that four Tongan staff members officials have each received breach notices under the NRL Rules.
The proposed penalties for each individual are as follows:
• Head Doctor - 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.
• Assistant Doctor - 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.
• Orange Shirt Trainer (Head Trainer) – 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.
Additionally, the yellow shirt trainer (Medical Assistant) has been issued with a formal warning.
According to the NRL, the investigation identified a number of serious concerns regarding possible breaches of the NRL
Rules and protocols by a number of individuals in the way that Katoa was treated.
In a press statement on Monday afternoon, the NRL 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.
“All on-field NRL trainers and medical personnel are required to annually complete the NRL’s Elite Head Injury/Concussion protocols as well as maintain minimum standards of medical qualification and education.”
The NRL added: “All individuals will also be required to undergo further training on their responsibilities under the NRL Rules and the NRL’s policy for the management of possible head injuries and concussion.”
Each individual has five business days to respond to the Breach notice.
Katoa is currently recovering in Melbourne where despite being ruled out for the entire 2026 season, he has vowed to do everything within his powers to play rugby league again.
Originally published as Revealed: The doctors, head trainer facing bans over Eli Katoa HIA controversy
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