The uncle of Eli Katoa has revealed the Tonga star is in a secure situation however requested for extra prayers because the second-rower battles to make a full restoration.
Katoa underwent emergency surgical procedure to ease stress on his mind following a sequence of head knocks whereas enjoying for Tonga towards New Zealand.
Katoa was rushed to hospital after reportedly having seizures on the sidelines.
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Tonga star Eli Katoa was taken to hospital after struggling seizures on the bench 9
He copped a heavy head knock throughout his crew’s warm-up but was cleared to play, however then went on to undergo two extra blows to the top, leaving him needing oxygen on the sideline, earlier than being rushed to hospital.
“For the time being, he is doing significantly better,” Katoa’s uncle Reverend Setelo instructed Tongan Radio station PMN.
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“He has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a basic ward within the hospital
“He is awake, recovering properly, and being sorted by medical employees. The household could be very grateful for all of the assist, love, and prayers from everybody.”
Within the meantime, New Zealand coach Stacey Jones backed requires larger consciousness across the risks of pre-match warm-ups.
“There ought to be scrutiny round it,” Jones stated.
“I do not know what went on, however there has acquired to be some actual excellent care across the gamers.
“We’ve it at coaching.
“However once more, I do not know sufficient to touch upon what went on.”
Jones’ feedback come after fellow Kiwi nice Shaun Johnson stated earlier this week he was “sick” over the incident and the fallout ought to see “heads roll”.
Katoa’s former teammate on the Warriors, Jazz Tevaga, stated the scenario ought to “by no means have occurred”.
“It’s totally heartbreaking to see for my brother Eli,” Tevaga instructed AAP.
“I despatched him a message and pray he’s OK.
“It should not have occurred, nevertheless it did occur. All we will do is pray and hope he comes by way of the opposite aspect.”
It is understood the Storm have been in day by day contact with Katoa and his household, however there is not any set timeline on when Katoa might be discharged from hospital.
