Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa remains in hospital in Auckland after undergoing emergency brain surgery following three head knocks during a Pacific Championships match against New Zealand 12 days ago. The 25-year-old Tonga international suffered a concussion in the warmup when his head collided with teammate Lehi Hopoate, but was allowed to play. He received two more head impacts during the game before suffering seizures on the sideline, requiring surgery to release bleeding on the brain.
Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said Katoa's recovery is only beginning, with further weeks in hospital and possibly time in a rehabilitation centre ahead. 'He's in a stable condition, he's been improving, which is really pleasing. He's still got a long way to go in terms of his short-term, medium-term recovery,' Rodski said.
The Storm are arranging to bring Katoa back to Australia over the weekend or early next week, where he will meet specialists in Melbourne to guide the next stage of recovery. Rodski noted that it is too soon to say whether Katoa will play again, let alone next season. 'It would be unfair to him and his family to make any type of statements around his short-term or long-term future other than to say that he has our full support,' he said.
The incident has deeply affected the Storm club, coming weeks after they lost their second successive grand final. Welfare officer Young Tonumaipea and chair Matt Tripp have visited Katoa in hospital, and players and staff have been sending messages of goodwill. Rodski described the situation as heartbreaking, but highlighted the club's close connection and support for one another.
The NRL is investigating the circumstances that led to Katoa taking the field. Rodski called it a 'really serious incident' but expressed comfort in the NRL's handling of the situation.
