Canberra Raiders backrower Corey Harawira-Naera suffered a seizure during the club’s match against South Sydney, collapsing midway through the second half. The New Zealand international was waiting for a Rabbitohs drop-out during the 65th minute when he fell to the ground, prompting medical staff to rush onto the field and halt play for close to 15 minutes. Harawira-Naera was subsequently stretchered from the field and transported to hospital, where he was reported to be conscious and in good hands.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart expressed his concern for Harawira-Naera, stating that the medical staff were unsure why he had suffered a seizure. “It doesn’t seem to be any contact to the head, they’re at a loss as to why it occurred,” said Stuart. “He’s off to hospital now and our thoughts and prayers are with him.”
Despite the Raiders’ win over South Sydney, Stuart was more concerned with Harawira-Naera’s well-being. “I’m happy with the win, but I’m more happy that Corey is conscious and in good hands,” he said. “His family can understand he’s in the best care. The medical people here have done a great job.”
Raiders prop Josh Papali’i echoed Stuart’s sentiments, describing Harawira-Naera’s collapse as “definitely one of the scariest things I’ve seen on a footy field.” Papali’i added that the team had a “massive focus” in the set after Harawira-Naera’s collapse to do it for him.
South Sydney skipper Cody Walker also expressed his concern for Harawira-Naera, sending his best wishes to the injured player and his family. “It’s not something you want to see on a footy field,” said Walker. “We go to battle on the field and we want to hurt each other in a clean way but you never want to see a player like that.”
Harawira-Naera’s collapse highlights the risks associated with contact sports such as rugby league. While players are trained to take hits and play through pain, incidents like this serve as a reminder of the importance of player safety and the need for medical staff to be on hand to respond quickly in case of emergencies.
In conclusion, Corey Harawira-Naera’s collapse during the Canberra Raiders’ match against South Sydney was a scary reminder of the risks associated with contact sports. While the New Zealand international is reported to be conscious and in good hands, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of player safety and the need for medical staff to be on hand to respond quickly in case of emergencies. Our thoughts and prayers are with Harawira-Naera and his family during this difficult time.