Raiders star Corey Harawira-Naera apologises for ‘poor judgment’ after drink driving punishment

Canberra Raiders star Corey Harawira-Naera has apologised after he was caught drink driving having consumed 10 beers and seven shots.

Raiders star Corey Harawira-Naera has apologised for his behaviour after he was caught drink driving after having 10 beers and seven shots on Christmas Eve.

Channel 9 reported the suspended Canberra back-rower spoke outside court of his remorse at his “poor judgment” after pleading guilty to getting behind the wheel while heavily intoxicated.

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“I apologise to the club, obviously the NRL as well, my family, my friends, my teammates,” Harawira-Naera said.

“It was just a poor judgment on my behalf to put myself in this position.”

Corey Hariwira-Naera leaving court.

Harawira-Naera was pulled over by police in Canberra at 4:30am, and told officers he had consumed about 10 beers and six or seven shots over more than eight hours while out with a group of friends on Christmas Eve.

Police documents reveal the 25-year-old was speaking quickly, his eyes were bloodshot and he had difficulty remembering exactly where he had driven.

He then blew 0.12 — nearly two-and-a-half times the legal limit — and had his driver’s licence suspended immediately.

Harawira-Naera’s lawyer on Thursday said his client made a “very poor decision, which he deeply regrets”.

Magistrate James Lawton slammed Harawira-Naera’s actions, saying “a silly decision like this to save $50 on an Uber has cost you a lot of money”.

Magistrate Lawton issued the 25-year-old with a $250 fine and suspended his driver’s licence for three months.

Corey Harawira-Naera of the Raiders.

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Harawira-Naera and teammate Corey Horsburgh were dropped by Raiders coach Ricky Stuart after separate drink driving incidents.

The NRL Integrity Unit gave its own punishment to both players — fining Harawira-Naera $10,000 and issuing him with a two-match ban.

Harawira-Naera has now served his driver’s licence disqualification and is able to drive again as of today.

Originally published as Raiders star Corey Harawira-Naera apologises for ‘poor judgment’ after drink driving punishment