"Melbourne Storm backrower and Tonga star Eli Katoa faces the prospect of further weeks in hospital and possibly time in a rehabilitation centre as he begins his slow recovery from brain surgery after he suffered three head knocks against New Zealand 12 days ago. The 25-year-old remains in hospital in Auckland, and alarming information provided by his club on Friday indicates there is no guarantee one of the game's best forwards will play again."
"Katoa appeared to suffer a concussion in the warmup in the Pacific Championships clash two weeks ago when his head collided with Tonga teammate Lehi Hopoate. But he was allowed to play, and received two more head impacts during the game, before suffering seizures on the sideline and needing emergency surgery to release bleeding on the brain. The Storm chief executive, Justin Rodski, said Katoa's recovery was only beginning."
"He's in a stable condition, he's been improving, which is really pleasing, he said. He's still got a long way to go in terms of his short-term, medium-term recovery. The Storm are arranging to bring him back to Australia over the weekend or early next week, but he will need to return to hospital in Melbourne where he will meet specialists to guide the next stage of recovery."
Eli Katoa, 25, remains hospitalized in Auckland after emergency surgery to release bleeding on the brain following three head impacts in a match against New Zealand. He suffered an initial collision in the warmup and then two further head impacts during the game before suffering seizures on the sideline. Katoa is in stable condition and showing improvement, but faces a prolonged recovery with potential transfer to Melbourne for specialist assessment and possible rehabilitation. Club officials say there is no guarantee he will play again and they are working closely with him and his family on the next steps.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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