Lehi Hopoate has been targeted on social media after being involved in the accidental collision with Tonga teammate Eli Katoa, says the star's father and league great John Hopoate.

The Melbourne Storm backrower remains in hospital in Auckland after surgery to relieve pressure on his brain after suffering three separate head knocks before and during the match against New Zealand earlier this month.

Hopoate was involved in the clash during the warm up when both players collided contesting a bomb.

The Manly star copped abuse and was accused of carelessness in going up for the ball at the same time as Katoa in vision of the incident, which was not available to Tongan officials in the aftermath.

"Lehi is hurting, 100 per cent he is, he's feeling for Eli," John told The Sydney Morning Hera

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