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Katoa's family give update after brain surgery
SENZ • November 6th, 2025 9:43 am
The family of Eliesa Katoa have given an update to his condition after the horror triple head knock incident which saw him hospitalised and undergo surgery in New Zealand after suffering seizure symptoms.
Distressing vision of the Storm star being attended to by medical staff and teammates on the sideline during Tonga's clash with the Kiwis went viral earlier this week.
It emerged Katoa had sustained a significant head knock during the warm-up but had not undergone a pre-match HIA. He went on to require two further assessments during the match before being taken off after 51 minutes.
It was while sitting on the sidelines that his condition deteriorated and he was taken with an oxygen mask to hospital where he underwent surgery to ease pressure on his brain.
Katoa remains in an Auckland hospital and yesterday his uncle gave a promising update on his condition.
“At the moment, he’s doing much better," Reverend Setelo told PMN.
“He has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a general ward in the hospital.
“He’s awake, recovering well, and being looked after by medical staff. The family is very thankful for all the support, love, and prayers from everyone.”
There has been outcry regarding the handling of his injuries, with players current and past calling for heads to roll.
Tongan officials claim they had not seen the pre-match vision which showed Katoa fall to the ground after being struck by teammate Lehi Hopoate.
The NRL has launched an investigation into what happened and Storm officials are on the ground with Katoa in New Zealand.
"There should be scrutiny around it," New Zealand coach Stacey Jones said when asked about regulations pre-game.
"I don't know what went on...but there has got to be some real good care around the players. "We have it at training.
"But again I don't know enough to comment what went on.
"My thoughts and prayers are really just with Eli right at the moment...Obviously it wasn't nice and I just hope for Eli to make a full recovery."
