"Our old boy community stays very connected so it's spread quite wide, the hurt."
Staff from St Thomas have visited Taufateau in hospital, although due to his injuries he's only been allowed limited visitors.
Friend Eddy Sunia said Taufateau's family are in Tonga and can't get to his bedside due to closed borders, so are keeping informed through video calling and messages.
Police are still looking for his attacker, a spokesperson said they've had a good response from members of the public so far.
However, they still want to hear from anyone who may have witnessed the incident.
Anyone who has information about the assault is encouraged to contact police on 105 quoting file number 210131/5776 or anonymously on 0800 Crimestoppers.