NRL star Zane Tetevano to have heart surgery after suffering a shock stroke during training session

One-time NRL star Zane Tetevano will undergo heart surgery after suffering a stroke while training with Leeds Rhinos recently.

The 31-year-old, who won a premiership with the Roosters in 2018, was rushed to Leeds General Infirmary after the confrontational incident, where he collapsed in front of shocked teammates.

Later tests revealed that the cause was a hole in Tetevano’s heart.

Remarkably, the Kiwi international is expected to make a full recovery this season and return for Leeds in the UK Super League.

A grateful Tetevano also has one JustGiving page in support of the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, which helps children and adults born with congenital heart defects in Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire.

The 31-year-old won a premiership with the Roosters in 2018 before moving to the UK Super League

“First of all I would like to thank the medical staff of the club, the paramedics, doctors and nurses who took care of me when I collapsed,” Tetevano said.

“I knew I was getting the best possible care and I owe them a lot, especially to our medical team, who responded so quickly on the pitch.

“I’ll never know how lucky I was.”

Tetevano made his NRL debut with the Knights in 2011 before eventually moving to the Roosters in 2017.

Three years later, he spent a season with Penrith before signing for Leeds in 2021.

He went on to play 47 games for the Rhinos, including last year’s 24-12 defeat to St Helens in the grand final at Old Trafford.

The front rower also represented the Cook Islands at the Rugby League World Cup last year.