LeagueNews.co | Jess Malloy
Melbourne Storm and Tongan rugby forward Eliesa Katoa has undergone surgery and is currently in stable condition following a concerning incident during the Pacific Championships. Katoa was taken to a hospital in Auckland on Sunday after he experienced repeated head impacts during the match against New Zealand.
During the event, he required oxygen as he was being removed from the field due to his condition. On Monday morning, the Storm released a medical update confirming that Katoa suffered seizure activity on the bench after being substituted out of the game.
The club stated, "Melbourne Storm forward 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." They further reported, "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."
The Storm assured fans that they would provide further updates as more information becomes available.