Tongan and Melbourne backrower Eli Katoa has had surgery to remove fluid from the brain and will be banned from flying home to Melbourne for up to a week as he recovers in Auckland from a series of sickening head knocks.

Katoa left Eden Park on the back of a medicab and with an oxygen mask after suffering delayed concussion symptoms whilst sitting on the sidelines during Sunday’s 40-14 Pacific Championships loss to New Zealand .

A spokesperson for the NRL said they are investigating Tonga’s handling of Katoa who was captured by TV cameras being flattened trying to contest a high ball with teammate Lehi Hopoate during the warm-up. He was then forced off the field twice, in the 10th minute and 51st minute for head injury assessments.

Under the rules, players are ruled out of action once

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