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Eli Katoa Improving in Auckland Hospital as NRL Withholds Probe Findings

The NRL plans to release its investigation only after confirming his full recovery.

Overview

  • Katoa had fluid drained from his brain after a warm-up collision and two further head knocks, with sources saying he recorded his best day on Monday.
  • He is expected to be discharged later this week but must remain in New Zealand until doctors clear him to fly back to Melbourne.
  • Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has visited daily at Katoa’s bedside and has delayed his return home, with Storm teammate Moses Leo also stopping in.
  • The NRL Integrity Unit has completed its inquiry into how Katoa was allowed to play despite TV footage of the warm-up hit, yet Katoa was not well enough to be interviewed.
  • Tonga officials say they did not see the broadcast vision until after full-time and have questioned why match doctors were not alerted, as Warriors playmaker Te Maire Martin offers support and notes recoveries vary.