Tonga coach Kristian Woolf has reportedly refused to fly home from New Zealand until stricken star Eli Katoa is out of hospital. Katoa remains in hospital in Auckland after undergoing surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after suffering ‘seizure activity’ on the sideline during Tonga’s game against New Zealand in the Pacific Championships.
The Sydney Morning Herald reported on Tuesday that the Melbourne Storm star is expected to be discharged from hospital this week, but will need further clearance before he’s allowed to fly back to Australia. Tonga coach Woolf, who is also coach of the Dolphins in the NRL, has remained in Auckland and has been visiting Katoa daily.
Eli Katoa’s coach and family remain by his side in hospital. Image: Getty
Woolf is reportedly refusing to return to Queensland until Katoa is out of hospital and given the all-clear. He’s been by Katoa’s side – alongside the second-rower’s partner and family – ever since he was hospitalised.
It’s a stunning move from Woolf, particularly as it means he won’t be in attendance for the start of the Dolphins’ pre-season. A number of NRL clubs are already back at work preparing for 2026, but the Dolphins will be doing so without their head-coach there.
Woolf has been coaching Tonga for the last decade, and has formed a strong bond with Katoa. According to reports, the Storm player had his best day on Monday since being hospitalised.
Katoa is expected to make a full recovery, but is facing a long rehabilitation process. His NRL future is under a cloud, and there are genuine concerns he might be out for an extended period.
Kristian Woolf is refusing to fly home just yet. (Photo by Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images)
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Eli Katoa’s family share positive news about recovery
Last week, Katoa’s uncle Reverend Setelo Katoa told radio station PMN Tonga his nephew’s status had improved and he’d been moved out of intensive care. PMN host John Nicholas Pulu translated the news to English, saying: “We’ve got some great news about the state and health of Eliesa Katoa, who was in ICU. He has moved into a different part of the hospital where he is recovering at the moment.
“They are very grateful for the prayers and support of everyone. Not just Tongans, but many, many people from various countries and communities who have been showing love and support. They ask for continuous prayer and support that he will make a full recovery. What beautiful news we have received this afternoon.”
Eli Katoa copped three separate head knocks while playing for Tonga. (PR Image/Supplied by NRL Photos, Chloe Davis)
NRL investigation into Eli Katoa incident completed
The NRL have completed an investigation into what transpired, and why Katoa was allowed to play in the first place. The findings won’t be released until the NRL has a better picture of Katoa’s recovery, and he wasn’t well enough to be interviewed for the investigation last week.
The forward sustained a heavy knock to the head from teammate Lehi Hopoate in the warm-up, but doctors cleared him to play because they didn’t see the incident and didn’t have access to footage of it. Channel 9 aired the clash to TV viewers, but Tongan officials claimed they never saw it and wouldn’t have allowed him to play if they had.
Katoa suffered another two head knocks during the game, but passed an HIA (head injury assessment) after the first and was allowed to return to the field. After the third knock he reported feeling unwell on the sideline and had to be rushed to hospital.