Hes in a stable condition now and awake and out of ICU
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The uncle of Eliesa Katoa has confirmed the Tongan star is in a stable condition and has been moved out of intensive care as he recovers from three separate head knocks that led to emergency surgery to ease pressure on his brain.
Katoa’s uncle, Reverend Setelo Katoa, spoke with Tongan radio station PMN Tonga on Wednesday, where he confirmed the Melbourne Storm backrower was “recovering well” while expressing gratitude on behalf of the entire family for the messages of support that had been sent to Katoa ever since he was rushed to hospital from Eden Park last Sunday.
The fallout from Katoa being allowed to take the field after suffering a sickening head knock in the pre-game warm-up of Tonga’s Pacific Championships loss to New Zealand is the focus of the NRL’s sweeping inquest into the incident that also included two further concussions in the ninth and 51st minute of the match.
“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.
“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.
Speaking on behalf of the entire Katoa family, Reverend Setelo expressed his deep gratitude to everyone who has been praying and sending love — including from family, friends, the Tongan community, and people around the world.
“They’re thankful to God, the medical staff at the hospital, and everyone who has offered prayers and support,’’ he said.
With Katoa’s immediate playing future in doubt, Reverend Setelo asked for continuing prayer for the NRL star to make a full recovery.
Radio host of PMN Tonga John Nicholas Pulu translated much of the interview spoken in Tongan to English by stating:
“Many people have gathered at churches and prayer groups to pray for Elias and his family,’’ Pulu said.
“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.
There’s also a message to the Tongan people and supporters: to continue in unity, prayer, and encouragement for Elias and others representing Tonga. The family is truly moved by the outpouring of love and the way people have come together.
“Supporters from the Melbourne Storm have also sent messages of love and encouragement, saying the whole team and fan base are behind him.’’
The Storm have been in daily contact with Katoa and his family with the club’s welfare manager Young Tonumaipea flying to Auckland on Monday morning.
There is no firm timeline on when Katoa will be omitted from hospital in Auckland to return to Melbourne.
The Storm are eagerly awaiting an outcome from the NRL’s investigation into the traumatic incident, which included Katoa needing to be transported from the interchange bench on a medi-cab with an oxygen mask.
). The final result didnt reflect the game but they will learn alot from it and come back stronger. 
