Eliesa Katoa (c) takes part in the Tongan Sipi Tau. Photo: Photosport
Tongan forward Eliesa Katoa was fitted with an oxygen mask and taken to hospital after receiving repeated blows to the head before and during their Pacific Championship test against the Kiwis.
Katoa was felled by the shoulder of Tonga fullback Lehi Hopoate during an accidental incident before the start of the match at Eden Park on Sunday, which New Zealand won 40-14.
The situation compounded for the star Melbourne Storm second-rower after that.
He was taken from the field early in the match after receiving another head knock, but passed that head injury assessment.
Eliesa Katoa (r) comes across on defence as Kiwis centre Matthew Timoko makes a break. Photo: Photosport
Another blow to the head ended his game in the second half, followed by disturbing scenes on the sideline when the 25-year-old was taken for another HIA.
Footage showed a prone Katoa being fitted with an oxygen mask as he was put into a medicab which took him from the field.
Tonga coach Kristian Woolf said Katoa did not require a concussion test after hitting the turf before the match.
"My job is not to question doctors," Woolf said.
"They were both comfortable with that and comfortable with him coming on to the field.
"He has gone to hospital after he wasn't too great on the sideline. I don't know the full details but the doctors have gone with him."
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