THE NRL have proposed bans of at least two years for two doctors and a trainer involved in the treatment of Eliesa Katoa’s head injuries during Tonga’s Pacific Cup game against New Zealand last month.

The Melbourne Storm star back-rower has been ruled out of the entire 2025 season after suffering a seizure, with the 25-year-old found to have a bleed on the brain.

A number of possible breaches of protocol have been identified by the NRL following an investigation into the series of events during the international in Auckland.

Katoa is said to have suffered three separate head knocks – one during the warm-up, which was not identified by Tonga’s medical staff; another in the first half, following which he passed a head-injury assessment and returned to the field; and a third shortly after half-time.

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.”

Four unnamed Tonga officials have received breach notices from the NRL including their head doctor and assistant doctor.

The proposed penalties for the pair, and for Tonga’s head trainer, are bans of at least two years from involvement in the sport.

In addition, a medical assistant has been issued with a formal warning.

Tonga’s coaching staff, including head coach Kristian Woolf, have been cleared of any wrongdoing.

Katoa was hospitalised for a fortnight following the incident and no timescale has been put on his recovery.

Melbourne CEO Justin Rodsk said: “He has a long road ahead in his recovery and his focus will be on returning to full health before considering any form of return to training.

“Eli is a much-loved and respected member of our team and club. The Storm family will rally around him and support him through his recovery.”

The NRL said they are “continuing to support Mr Katoa and his family during his important recovery”.