Eli Katoa: Tonga forward stable in hospital after ‘seizure activity’

“Eli Katoa was taken to hospital after suffering seizure activity on the bench during the second half of yesterday’s Pacific Championships match between Tonga and New Zealand,” his club Melbourne Storm said in a statement., external

“Eli underwent surgery overnight and is in a stable condition being supported by his partner and mother. Storm medical staff remain in close contact with the hospital and Tonga’s team chief medical officer.”

Seizure activity can refer to the prelude to a seizure.

In a news conference after the match, which New Zealand won 40-14, Tonga head coach Kristian Woolf defended the team doctors, saying everything was “done by the book”.

“We’ve got two very experienced doctors there. They’ve done their usual HIA. He’s passed all that and passed all that well,” Woolf said.

“My job is not to question doctors. They were both comfortable with that and comfortable with him coming back on to the field.

“So I don’t think there’s anything to worry about there in terms of the process.”

Katoa posted a social media message from his hospital bed on Monday, accompanied by a picture of a drip in his arm.

“Appreciate everyone for checking in,” he wrote on Instagram.

“Sorry I haven’t got back to any of you guys but I really appreciate all the love.”

New Zealand’s victory means they will face Samoa in Sunday’s Pacific Championships final in Parramatta, Australia.