The NRL is investigating whether concussion protocols were properly applied after Tonga international Eli Katoa suffered a seizure and bleeding on the brain following three head impacts during Sunday's Pacific Championships match against New Zealand. The 25-year-old Melbourne Storm second rower required emergency surgery on Sunday evening.
Katoa was allowed to take the field after appearing to be concussed in the warm-up during a collision with teammate Lehi Hopoate. He then sustained a cut to his left cheek from an elbow in a first-half tackle but passed a head injury assessment and continued playing.
A third blow early in the second half finally forced him off the field when Tonga trailed by 22 points. His condition deteriorated on the sideline, leading to seizures and a medicab rushing him from the field.
The NRL confirmed on Monday night that the matter is under review. An NRL spokesperson said: “Our first priority is the health of Eliesa Katoa. The NRL chief medical officer is monitoring his condition and is in close contact with the medical experts involved.”
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended the team’s doctors, stating they conducted the usual HIA and Katoa passed. However, the Rugby League Players Association is making its own enquiries, with chief operating officer Luke Ellis saying: “Ensuring a safe environment for players is the remit of the NRL.”
Katoa posted on Instagram on Monday morning thanking people for their concern and apologising for not replying to messages.
