Overview
- Melbourne Storm says Katoa experienced seizure activity on the bench, underwent overnight surgery to drain brain fluid and bleeding, and is stable with family support.
- Katoa was struck heavily in the warm-up by teammate Lehi Hopoate without a formal HIA, then passed an early in-game HIA before a later head knock ended his night.
- His condition deteriorated on the sideline where he received oxygen, was placed on a stretcher, and was transported to hospital.
- Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended the medical team as following protocol, while prominent commentators condemned the decision to let Katoa continue playing.
- The NRL has launched an investigation into the warm-up incident and return-to-play decisions, and the RLPA is seeking details as questions grow over gaps in pre-game HIA coverage.