Tongan star  rugby league 'Eliesa Katoa (Eli) has undergone surgery in Auckland after suffering seizure activity on the bench during Sunday's loss to New Zealand Kiwis.

Tonga faced a 40-14 defeat to the Kiwis at Eden Park in Auckland, on 2 November. Katoa, the edge forward, suffered multiple head knocks both before and during the match.

He was taken to hospital after his condition deteriorated in the second half, stated the NRL.

Katoa was involved in a heavy collision with teammate Lehi Hopoate during the warmup but was cleared to play. He suffered another blow early in the clash and went off for an Head Injury Assessment (HIA), which he passed. The 25-year-old then received another knock in the second half and left the field for another HIA.

Due to this being his second HIA, he was immediately ruled out for the remainder of the match and his condition deteriorated as the half progressed.

In a statement on Monday morning, 3 November, his NRL club, the Melbourne Storm, confirmed he underwent surgery overnight to treat his condition.

"Melbourne Storm forward Eli Katoa was taken to hospital after suffering seizure activity on the bench during the second half of yesterday’s Pacific Championships match between Tonga and New Zealand," the club said.

"Eli underwent surgery overnight and is in a stable condition being supported by his partner and mother. Storm medical staff remain in close contact with the hospital and Tonga’s team Chief Medical Officer."