Young NRL star is rushed to hospital in an ambulance after scary coaching incident

St George Illawarra forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga has been rushed to hospital in an ambulance following an incident at a training session on Thursday morning.

The Dragons forward was seen on a stretcher being assisted by paramedics at the training ground at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on the NSW south coast.

‘St George Illawarra Dragons forward Loko Pasifiki Tonga was taken to hospital for precautionary scans following a suspected neck injury sustained at training today,’ the club said in a statement.

‘He was conscious and communicating with medical staff at all times.

‘The club will provide an update on his condition once further information becomes available.’

Rated one of the club’s up-and-coming forwards, Pasifiki Tonga had been listed to play in Sunday’s NSW Cup clash against Parramatta.

Loko Pasifiki Tonga is pictured being taken to an ambulance at WIN Stadium in Wollongong on Thursday

The highly rated forward made his debut for the club in round 10 last year

Pasifiki Tonga is pictured with his fiancée Tyra Le Leilua-Eekpati

The 20-year-old joined the Dragons after playing junior football with the Bankstown Bulls and Chester Hill Hornets before moving to Melbourne.

He made his NRL debut in round 10 last year against the New Zealand Warriors, and scored his first top-grade try against the Knights in round 13.

Pasifiki Tonga has made a total of 10 NRL appearances and is contracted to the club until the end of the 2027 season.

Just after Christmas last year, he revealed his engagement to partner Tyra Le Leilua-Eekpati with a heartwarming Instagram post.

‘Made the best decision I ever made. Finally got to choose my forever,’ he wrote.

‘We are locked in for life. So blessed and grateful to be doing life with you.’ 

Pasifiki Tonga helped the Dragons notch their first SG Ball title in 32 years during the 2023 season, and was also an Australian Schoolboys representative. 

More to come…