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NRL stars speak out after horror Katoa incident
SEN • November 4th, 2025 10:07 am
Jarome Luai and Junior Paulo have issued heartfelt pleas for medical professionals to do more to ensure the game never sees a repeat of what happened to Eliesa Katoa.
Katoa took to the field for Tonga’s match against New Zealand despite a massive knock to the head from teammate Lehi Hopoate during the warm up. The blow should have been enough to rule him out of the game but according to reports, he was not given an HIA.
Just nine minutes into the clash, after sustaining another knock to the head and a split eye, he required an HIA check, which he passed.
Then again after 51 minutes a third head knock ended his game after he went low to tackle Naufahu Whyte.
Then came the terrifying aftereffects with vision showing Katoa required an oxygen mask and was loaded onto a medicab surrounded by teammates and staff.
He was taken to hospital with seizure symptoms and has undergone surgery.
“It definitely does (confront you) as a player. Prayers go out to Eli and his family through this tough period,” Paulo told News Corp.
“We as footy players will probably never say no to turning up for your country and getting out there and playing.
“But whoever this falls down to, there are protocols around that and should be followed – and they probably were followed. In terms of putting your health before your job, that’s probably the main outcome that we really want to take out of it.
“This is not to put pressure on anyone who is in that role to make a call, but I think that’s what probably their role is to do to look after the health and safety of the player first.
“Most rugby league players aren’t going to say no (when asked if they don’t want to play) or turn down the opportunity to represent your country or play in the NRL in general.
“This is our passion and why we do it so it’s a hard one to stand on. But like I said, there are protocols in place for why you probably shouldn’t be allowed to return to the field, and that’s for the health concerns.”
Teammate Jarome Luai backed his Samoan teammate.
“I wasn’t there and I’m not sure what kind of state he was in during the match, but it’s heart-breaking to hear and it’s a plea to look after our players and to ultimately look after yourself,” he said.
The decision to allow Katoa on the field was ruled “indefensible” by Andrew Voss who was calling the match.
“Oh my goodness,” Andrew Voss said on SEN 1170. “Sickening. Unbelievable situation. I think it’s indefensible personally.
“If I’m Melbourne, I’m saying I want a full detailed description of how that played out.
“Looking at that incident before the game, that’s category 1 to my untrained doctor eye.
“Melbourne wouldn’t send him back on after that.”
Katoa released a short messages to his fans via Instagram on Monday morning along with a picture of his left arm with cannulas.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," he wrote.
"Appreciate everyone for checking in, sorry if I haven't got back to you guys but really appreciative of all the love and messages."
