Sawt Falasteen - Tonga rugby league star has surgery after 'seizure' against NZ

Katoa was allowed to play at Auckland's Eden Park on Sunday despite a heavy head clash from a teammate in the pre-game warm-up.

According to local reports he did not undergo a head injury assessment (HIA) and then suffered two more high hits during a game won by New Zealand 40-14.

He had an HIA after the first and passed, but left the field after the second with his condition worsening as he watched from the bench.

TV images showed Katoa being fitted with an oxygen mask and put on a stretcher.

"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.

"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."

Tonga 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, according to Australian media.

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

"So I don't think there's anything to worry about there in terms of the process."

Katoa posted a message from his hospital bed on Monday with 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."

E.AbuRizq--SF-PST