Katoa messages from hospital, Woolf defends medics

Peter Maniaty

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Katoa sends message from hospital, Woolf defends ‘by the book’ medical decisions image

Tongan coach Kristian Woolf has defended his team’s handling of star forward Eli Katoa, who required oxygen and urgent medical assistance on the sidelines at Eden Park following a series of heavy head knocks.

Speaking after Tonga’s 40-14 hammering by New Zealand in the Pacific Championships, Woolf was adamant all protocols had been correctly followed.

“We’ve got two very experienced doctors,” Woolf said.

“They’ve done their usual HIA and he’s passed all that.

“My job isn’t to question doctors, they were both comfortable with him coming back onto the field, so I don’t think there’s anything there in terms of worrying about the process.”

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Katoa’s afternoon began badly, after being caught by an accidental high shoulder from teammate Lehi Hopoate during the team’s warm-up.

The Melbourne Storm star then took two further head knocks during the match, the second of which Woolf described as ‘quite heavy’.

“He had two HIA’s in the game, he passed his HIA from the first one, then the second one he doesn’t go back on,” Woolf explained.

“By all reports he was fine when he came back off, but he deteriorated after that.

“Everything has been done by the book.”

Woolf said Katoa was ‘responsive and improving’ when taken to hospital for further assessment after the match, but was awaiting an update from team doctors.

While the entire rugby league community awaits official news of Katoa’s condition, the player himself took to social media on Monday morning to thank well wishers. 

“Appreciate everyone for checking in, sorry if I haven’t got back to any of you guys but l really appreciate all the love and the messages Ofa atu,” Katoa posted.

 

Editorial Team