Melbourne Storm backrower Eli Katoa faces an uncertain playing future 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 remains in hospital in Auckland, with his club revealing on Friday that there is no guarantee he will play again.
Katoa appeared to suffer a concussion in the warm-up when his head collided with teammate Lehi Hopoate, but was allowed to play. He received two further head impacts during the game before suffering seizures on the sideline, necessitating surgery to release bleeding on the brain.
Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said Katoa's recovery was only beginning. 'He's in a stable condition, he's been improving, which is really pleasing,' Rodski said. 'He's still got a long way to go in terms of his short-term, medium-term recovery.' The club is arranging to bring him back to Australia, where he will meet specialists to guide the next stage of recovery, potentially including time in a rehabilitation centre.
Rodski declined to speculate on Katoa's playing future. '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 NRL is investigating the circumstances that led to Katoa taking the field.
The incident has deeply affected the Storm, coming weeks after the club lost its second successive grand final. Welfare officer Young Tonumaipea and chair Matt Tripp have visited Katoa in hospital. Rodski described the situation as 'heartbreaking' but highlighted the club's strong support network.
