The proposed suspensions would prevent the Tonga staffers from having any involvement with an NRL club, team or player, as well as any representative competitions or any other competitions run by the NRL or ARL Commission. Junior competitions, such as SG Ball (under-19s) and Harold Matthews (under-17s), are run by the NSWRL and QRL in their respective states, but the expectation is NRL sanctions would be upheld by both organisations as well.
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Katoa suffered his first head knock when he collided with Tonga teammate Lehi Hopoate under a pre-game high ball in a clash that was captured by TV cameras. The collision was not flagged with the Tonga coaching staff until after full-time.
The 25-year-old Katoa then suffered head knocks in the ninth and 51st minutes, eventually being forced from the field after failing a head injury assessment following the third incident. Katoa then suffered a seizure while sitting on the sidelines at Eden Park.
The NRL’s findings did not include any suggested changes to head knock surveillance, though scope remains for new guidelines to be considered at this month’s ARLC meeting.
