Katoa, who has not played since the incident, celebrated with teammates after Tonga's 20-18 win over Samoa and will act as a trainer in Saturday's World Cup semi-final against New Zealand in Newcastle. In that role he will relay messages, including tips to counter Storm teammate and New Zealand halfback Jahrome Hughes.
The episode occurred last November in a Pacific Championship match against New Zealand, when Katoa was twice ruled fit to take the field following head knocks, including one in the warm-up. After a third blow, he failed a head impact assessment, suffered a seizure on the sideline and was rushed to an Auckland hospital for emergency surgery to remove fluid from the brain. He has not played since. An NRL investigation led to two-year suspensions for three Tonga medical staff.
Asked why some teammates did not intercede when he lay limp after a collision in a pre-game drill, Katoa said people in the media wanted him to blame someone, but all he wanted was to play. He acknowledged he could seek legal remedy for negligence in the future, but said he must forget that pathway and come back and play. "I'm passionate to play for my club, my family, my tiny little Kingdom of Tonga and just the love of playing," he said.
The 26-year-old will have scans in Melbourne after the World Cup to determine if he can return. He said his last appointment was with a neurologist who told him that if Katoa were his son, he would let him go out and play now. Katoa acknowledged scans will always show scarring on the surface of the brain, but said it does not mean he cannot do what he wants to do.
Storm football manager Frank Ponissi said Katoa was the first to comfort coach Craig Bellamy when Bellamy had a neurological problem, and that the Michael Moore Medal for club person of the year was awarded unanimously to Katoa, the first time in 12 years the award did not go to a vote. Captain Harry Grant said his admiration for Katoa was immense and his true character had come out in adversity.
Katoa, who became engaged in September, said playing for Tonga reminds him of his family and country. "All I want to do is put the red jersey on and represent Tonga and know my family and my little country is behind me. Nothing compares," he said.