Samoa rugby league stars Junior Paulo and Jarome Luai have urged officials to put player welfare first. They spoke after Tonga’s Eli Katoa needed emergency brain surgery in November 2025.
Key Facts
- Player: Eli Katoa, Tonga and Melbourne Storm.
- Match: Tonga v New Zealand, Pacific Championships, November 2025.
- Injury: Three head knocks, including one in the warm-up, then seizure activity.
- Treatment: Surgery to drain fluid from his brain.
- Update: He returned to Melbourne on 18 November and was not expected to train or play in 2026, the Storm said.
What the Samoa Stars Said
Paulo and Luai said health and safety must come before the pride of playing for a club or country, Nine reported.
Investigation
The NRL and the players’ association investigated how the injury was handled. Former Kiwi star Shaun Johnson criticised the decisions to let him keep playing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Eli Katoa?
He had head knocks during a Tonga match and needed emergency brain surgery.
What did Samoa players say?
That player welfare must come first.
Will Katoa play in 2026?
The Storm said he was not expected to train or play in 2026.
Conclusion
Katoa’s injury has led to calls for stronger head-knock rules.
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