NRL stars shield convulsing teammate in ‘terrifying scenes’

The South Sydney and Canberra Raiders match has been rocked by horrific scenes which saw Corey Harawira-Naera suffer a seizure on field.

The players formed a shield around Harawira-Naera. Photo: Fox Sports

The NRL has held its collective breath after horrific scenes saw Raiders forward Corey Harawira-Naera suffer a suspected seizure on the field.

The concern was immediate for Harawira-Naera as the game stopped immediately in the 66th minute as soon as referee Grant Atkins realised he was in trouble.

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At the time, the Raiders were leading 24-20 and went on to win 33-26 despite the terrifying scenes.

It was instantly clear that Harawira-Naera wasn’t just injured and players from both sides stood in front of the second rower in order to give him some semblance of privacy.

The medical officials were quickly on the scene to treat the 28-year-old.

The game was stopped for several minutes as Harawira-Naera was treated but it was soon revealed that he was conscious and was talking to the medical staff.

He was quickly medicabbed off the field to a round of applause from the crowd.

He has since been taken to Westmead Hopital.

The players formed a shield around Harawira-Naera. Photo: Fox Sports

Fox League’s James Hooper revealed the 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.

The Raiders have also shared an update, saying it was hoped he’d be discharged and return to Canberra on Sunday.

An update on Corey - he's improving and feeling better and will hopefully be discharged from hospital and return home to Canberra tomorrow.

We will provide further updates early in the week.

Thanks everyone for your concern and thoughts tonight, it's much appreciated 💚

— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) May 27, 2023

At full-time, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart was clearly shaken by the drama.

“It was awful,” he said. “I just spoke to the doctor and he said they were unsure as to why. There didn’t seem to have been any contact to the head. So they’re at a bit of a loss at the moment in regards to why it occurred.

“He’s off to hospital now and obviously, our prayers and thoughts are with him.”

Stuart had rushed to the sideline and found out that he was conscious.

He added that he would be getting in contact with Harawira-Naera’s family as soon as possible.

Terrifying scenes from Accor Stadium. Picture: NRL Photos

Stuart praised his players for surrounding Harawira-Naera.

“We often say we’ve got a very close bunch here,” Stuart said. “The camaraderie and spirit amongst them is very high. You see how they shielded Corey while he was on the ground. They didn’t want anyone to see what he was going through and that’s a form of protection in its own.

“I was very proud of the win but I’m more happier that Corey’s conscious and in good hands.”

Raiders prop Josh Papali’i said it was “definitely one of the scariest things I’ve seen on a footy field over my playing career”.

“My heart goes out to Corey and I really hope he’s okay and doing well.

“He sort of replied at the end that he was okay before he was being wheeled off. My thoughts and prayers are with Corey at the moment.”

Papali’i said the Raiders finished the game with the ethos of “do it for Corey”.

Raiders captain Jarrod Croker praised the Rabbitohs for their support.

“No one wants to see that regardless of what jersey it is,” Croker said. “Credit to the South boys, they jumped around and made sure everything was alright as well.”

In the Rabbitohs’ press conference, Cody Walker said “it’s not something you want to see on the footy field.

“We go to battle on the footy field, want to hurt each other in a clean way but you never want to see a player like that.

“I think on behalf of everyone here at the club, we want to send our thoughts and prayers to his family and from all reports he’s up talking and well. It’s not something you want to see.”

Harawira-Naera in action. Photo by Brendon Thorne/Getty Images

The rugby league world was quick to get behind Harawira-Naera.

The South Sydney Rabbitohs Twitter account posted: “Hope you are okay Corey Harawira-Naera. Sending our love!”

Former NRL star Chris Lawrence wrote: “Scary scenes, praying corey harawira-naera is ok!”

North Queensland halfback Chad Townsend commented: “Sending my thoughts and prayers to Corey”.

League great Darryl Brohman posted: “Thoughts and prayers with CHN”.

Fans also praised both sides for surrounding `Harawira-Naera to shield him from the public.

Horrible scenes man…

Terrific to see both teams come together and give the bloke some privacy. Absolute gentlemen.

Praying that this is a once off and nothing serious for CHN… Hoping for a speedy recovery for him ❤️ #NRLSouthsRaiders

— Ludak (@Ludaaak) May 27, 2023

Oh god, that is scary about Corey Harawira-Naera.
Really hope that he’s okay #NRLSouthsRaiders@RaidersCanberra

— Michael Mazengarb (@MichaelM_ACT) May 27, 2023

Other fans were critical as there was music played in the background while he was being treated.

While football took a back seat to Harawira-Naera’s predicament, the Raiders claimed a huge win.

The 33-26 result means the Raiders join the teams on 16 points with six wins from its last seven matches.

Having led 18-8 at halftime, the Rabbitohs bounced back to hit the lead in the 52nd minute as the lead changed hands several times down the stretch.

But Raiders winger Albert Hopoate completed a hat-trick in the 73rd minute as the Raiders hit the front once and for all before a late penalty goal and a field goal iced the match.

Originally published as NRL stars shield convulsing teammate in ‘terrifying scenes’