Overview
- Storm chief executive Justin Rodski said Katoa will not return to pre-season training and there is no timeframe for his recovery.
- The forward has returned to Australia, completed further neurological testing, been discharged, and will rehabilitate under club medical care.
- The incident followed a heavy pre-game head clash with teammate Lehi Hopoate and two additional high hits during Tonga’s Test against New Zealand at Eden Park.
- Katoa left the field with seizure-like symptoms before scans revealed a brain bleed that required immediate surgery.
- Tonga coach Kristian Woolf defended the medical decisions, saying Katoa passed HIA checks, as the league’s review proceeds.