There is promising news for Melbourne Storm and Tongan forward Eliesa Katoa, who has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit to a general ward as he recovers from emergency brain surgery.
The 2025 international was hospitalised after suffering a brain bleed and seizure activity, complications from three separate head knocks sustained during a match on Sunday.
The positive development was confirmed by his family, who expressed deep gratitude for the outpouring of support, as the NRL launches a review into the on-field incident.
The promising update was delivered by the player’s uncle, Reverend Setelō Kātoa, during an evening broadcast on PMN Tongan radio programme.
He provided relief to a concerned rugby community, stating that the medical treatment for his nephew had all gone well and that “everything was promising.”
Reverend Kātoa also revealed that the family is receiving direct updates from a cousin who works as a nurse at the Auckland Hospital, where Eliesa is being treated.
The family has expressed its deep gratitude for the flood of support and prayers they have received from fans and the public alike during this difficult time.
The serious medical episode has cast a spotlight on player safety protocols, as the circumstances surrounding the multiple head knocks and the decision to allow Katoa to return to the field are now under an official review by the National Rugby League (NRL).
Katoa, a key forward for both the Melbourne Storm and the Tongan national team, underwent surgery to remove fluid from his brain after his condition worsened post-match.
His move out of intensive care marks a crucial milestone in what is expected to be a long recovery journey.
Meanwhile, the NRL has confirmed it will review the circumstances which led to Kātoa’s injuries.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended his side’s doctors for letting the forward take the field despite copping a sickening head knock in the warm-up.
