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 sustained two further head impacts during the game before suffering seizures on the sideline, requiring emergency surgery to relieve bleeding on the brain.
Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said Katoa's recovery is only beginning. “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 club plans to bring him back to Melbourne over the weekend or early next week, where he will meet specialists to determine the next stage of recovery, which may include 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. “We’re working really closely with him and his family to get him back to Melbourne and give him every possible opportunity to return to full health first and foremost.”
The incident has deeply affected the Storm, who lost their second successive grand final just weeks ago. Welfare officer Young Tonumaipea and chair Matt Tripp have visited Katoa in hospital, and messages of goodwill have been sent from Melbourne. Rodski described the situation as heartbreaking but highlighted the club's strong support network.
The NRL is investigating the circumstances that led to Katoa taking the field. Rodski called it a “really serious incident” but expressed confidence in the NRL's handling of the matter.
