Sydney — Tongan‑heritage NRL forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been released from hospital and cleared of major injury after a frightening training mishap that saw him taken from the field in an ambulance on Thursday morning.
The 20‑year‑old St George Illawarra Dragons rising star was left motionless following a routine tackle at WIN Stadium before medical staff intervened and paramedics transported him for urgent scans.
Tonga — who was born in Auckland to Tongan parents and proudly represents his Pacific roots — has quickly become one of the most promising young forwards in the NRL.
His rapid rise through junior ranks and early first‑grade appearances have made him a player to watch for both the Dragons and Tongan fans across the region.
Cleared of Serious Injury
After several hours of concern, the Dragons confirmed that Tonga had escaped major injury, with scans showing no serious damage to his neck despite the dramatic scenes earlier in the day. He was able to walk back into the club’s training facility later in the afternoon.
“Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been cleared of any major neck injury concerns and returned to the Dragons training facility this afternoon,” the club said in a statement.
“He will be monitored by our medical staff over the coming days before a determination is made on his availability to play this weekend.”
The forward remained conscious and communicative throughout the ordeal, reassuring teammates as paramedics worked to stabilise him.
Tonga’s strong family and cultural ties have been central to his journey. Coming through Pacific‑rich pathways such as the Bankstown Bulls and Chester Hill Hornets before moving into the Dragons system, he has consistently spoken about representing his heritage with pride.
Rated among the club’s brightest young forwards, Tonga made his NRL debut last year and has already played 10 first‑grade games.
He was listed to play in the NSW Cup this weekend before the injury scare, and while a return remains possible, the club is expected to make a decision after further monitoring.
News of the injury prompted a wave of concern across the NRL community, including many Tongan supporters who have celebrated Tonga’s emergence as one of the next generation of Pacific rugby league stars.
Messages of encouragement flooded social media as fans awaited updates.
The club is expected to provide another update before the weekend, but for now, both Dragons fans and Tonga’s Pacific supporters can breathe a sigh of relief.
