Kiwi Corey Harawira-Naera hospitalised after collapsing during Canberra Raiders’ clash with South Sydney Rabbitohs

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MAY 27: Corey Harawira-Naera of the Raiders is driven off the field in a Medi-Cab after collapsing during the round 13 NRL match between South Sydney Rabbitohs and Canberra Raiders at Accor Stadium on May 27, 2023 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images)

New Zealand-born rugby league player Corey Harawira-Naera has been discharged from Sydney’s Westmead Hospital after collapsing during an NRL match yesterday.

The game between the Canberra Raiders and South Sydney was suspended for 10 minutes after the 28-year-old suffered a seizure and fell to the ground.

Players from both teams shielded Harawira-Naera as he received medical treatment. He was carried to a waiting ambulance where he was reported to be conscious and responding to questions.

In a video shared by the Raiders on Sunday, Harawira-Naera said he had been discharged and was now recovering at the house of a family member.

“I want to thank the boys from both teams, our medical staff as well as the Rabbitohs’ medical staff, the paramedics and doctors, the coaching staff from both teams who showed concern, as well as all the footy fans, family and friends.

“I’ve been pretty fortunate to receive a lot of messages about what happened last night and I’m doing a lot better now, so love to you all for thinking of me.

“I’m not in the clear yet but we’ll get some more scans and sort it out. Health comes first, but I’m obviously hoping to get back on the field as soon as possible.”

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart said last night it had been a frightening moment for both players and team officials as Harawira-Naera staggered and fell to the ground where he lay convulsing.

“When it’s such a serious thing as a seizure like that, it’s scary,” Stuart said. “And when it’s one of your own you can’t stop thinking of where’s this going because the seizure lasted a good 30 seconds by the look of it.

“All our prayers and thoughts are with him and he’s got great medical attention immediately.”

Fox League’s James Hooper shared an encouraging update in the final 10 minutes of the match.

“The NRL Independent Medical Doctors have reviewed what happened with Corey Harawira-Naera,” he said. “He took a regulation hit up and when he’s gone to move back out to the left edge, he became disorientated and then he’s had a seizure.

“The good news is that he was responsive. He was talking to medical officials and his teammates and we wish him all the best.”

He revealed soon after that Harawira-Naera was sitting up and speaking with the medical staff.

Post-match, Hooper said the symptoms Harawira-Naera were similar to a concussion and said he “couldn’t recall anything to do with the game”.

Harawira-Naera’s sister was in the crowd and was taken into the Raiders dressing rooms and allowed to talk with her brother.