NRL news: Corey Harawira-Naera condition latest after suffering seizure against South Sydney

Corey Harawira-Naera has been discharged from hospital after collapsing during Canberra’s clash with South Sydney, declaring he wants to return to the field “as soon as possible”.

Corey Harawira-Naera of the Raiders is driven off the field.

Canberra forward Corey Harawira-Naera has issued a personal video claiming he wants to return to playing rugby league “as soon as possible.”

Wearing a Raiders tracksuit top and black beanie, Harawira-Naera said in a social media post that he was recovering from a distressing on-field seizure but admitted he was “not in the clear yet.”

He was discharged from Westmead Hospital in Sydney’s west at 3.30am on Sunday.

Harawira-Naera collapsed with 14 minutes remaining of Saturday night’s match against Souths with play halted for more than ten minutes.

Around 30 seconds after taking a regulation hit-up, Harawira-Naera became disorientated, fell to the ground and began to convulse.

Corey Harawira-Naera is taken from the field. Picture: NRL Photos

In a post that lasted 68 seconds, Harawira-Naera said: “I’m back on the mend but not in the clear yet. I’m doing a lot better now but we will 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.

“I’m back with family members now. I got discharged from hospital about 3.30 (Sunday) morning.

“I have been pretty fortunate to receive a lot of messages about what happened (on Saturday night).”

“Love to you all for thinking of me and the prayers.”

A message from Corey Harawira-Naera 💚 pic.twitter.com/5rzfYahqVs

— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) May 28, 2023

Harawira-Naera was conscious and responsive when transferred from Accor Stadium by medicab into a waiting ambulance.

The former Bulldogs and New Zealand Test forward wanted to offer his appreciation at the support he received from all sections of the rugby league community.

“I want to thank the boys from both teams, our boys and the Rabbitohs, our medical staff as well as the Rabbitohs medical staff, paramedics, doctors, coaching staff and both teams, who showed concern,” he said.

Our thoughts are with Corey Harawira-Naera, the Raiders and the entire Rugby League community after Corey was stretchered from the field. pic.twitter.com/0wLbMKbwsG

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) May 27, 2023

“As well as all the footy fans, Raiders fans, family, friends.

“I’m very fortunate to have a lot of people concerned and thinking about me.”

Harawira-Naera’s sister, who attended the game, travelled with her brother to hospital.

At 11pm on Saturday, Canberra released a statement through the club’s social media platforms updating Harawira-Naera’s condition.

“He’s improving and feeling better,” it read.

Players from both sides formed a human circle when he lay prone on the ground to ensure the back-rower was given privacy.

“No one likes to see those serious types of scenes,” Raiders coach Ricky Stuart said after the game.

“It was awful. I just spoke to the doctor and he said it was a seizure and they’re unsure why.

“It doesn’t seem to be any contact to the head, they’re at a loss as to why it occurred.”

Originally published as NRL news: Corey Harawira-Naera condition latest after suffering seizure against South Sydney