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The family of NRL star Eliesa Katoa, who underwent emergency brain surgery earlier this week after suffering three head knocks during Tonga's defeat by New Zealand, have delivered a positive update on his condition. His uncle, Reverend Setelo Katoa, told Tongan radio station PMN Tonga that the 25-year-old Melbourne Storm second-row, was 'awake' and is 'recovering well'. 'At the moment, he's doing much better,' Reverend Setelo told PMN. 'He has been moved from the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) to a general ward in the hospital. Katoa had worryingly been attended by medics on the bench during Tonga's 40-14 defeat by New Zealand on Sunday. He was later taken to a hospital in Auckland. The second-row had suffered a nasty-looking head knock during his side's warm-up, but was deemed fit to play. He would later collide with team-mate Will Penisini in the 10th minute of the match before being taken off for a head injury assessment. The footy player would pass the HIA and return to the field, but after suffering another knock while trying to tackle New Zealand forward Naufahu Whyte in the second half, resulted in him leaving the pitch again for another HIA. Under the NRL's rules, players are not allowed to return to the field of play after having been removed for two HIAs. It was later revealed that he had undergone surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after the footy star had suffered seizures and a bleed on the brain. 'He's awake, recovering well, and being looked after by medical staff. The family is very thankful for all the support, love, and prayers from everyone,' Reverend Setelo said to PMN. Reverend Setelo explained that members of Katoa's family have expressed a deep gratitude to those who have issued their support and prayed for the Storm star's swift recovery. 'They're thankful to God, the medical staff at the hospital, and everyone who has offered prayers and support.' The footy player had also taken to Instagram on Monday to send a note of thanks to those who had sent him messages of support. 'Appreciate everyone for checking in. Sorry if I haven't got back to any of you guys but I really appreciate all of the love and messages,' Katoa wrote. He added the Tongan phrase 'Ofa Atu' which means 'I love you.' PMN Tonga host John Nicholas Pulu translated the interview, most of which was spoken in Tongan. He said: 'Many people have gathered at churches and prayer groups to pray for Elias and his family. 'The community’s response — both in Tonga and abroad — has been overwhelming. 'The Reverend emphasised that the family feels the strength and love of everyone supporting them and that their faith remains strong.' No update has been provided on when Katoa is expected to leave hospital. Meanwhile, the NRL and Rugby League Players Association (RLPA) are conducting investigations into how the incident occurred. RLPA Chief Operating Officer Luke Ellis told this masthead: 'Ensuring a safe environment for players is the remit of the NRL. 'So along with our own enquiries, we will be trusting them to work through this and understand what occurred.' More to follow...
