Canberra recorded an emotional 33-26 win over South Sydney, but the victory was relegated in importance in the grand scheme of things as the welfare of Corey Harawira-Naera became the main concern.
The Kiwi international was involved in distressing scenes after collapsing to the turf and having a seizure before medical staff treated him for over 10 minutes.
Corey Harawira-Naera latest updates
The NRL has praised the work carried out by medical staff when treating Harawira-Naera on Saturday night.
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"I wanted to point out an unsung part of the game that often goes without recognition and that is the medical service which is provided by the NRL and the clubs game in and game out," NRL Head of Football, Graham Annesley, said.
"We have doctors, trainers and paramedics on standby at every ground and it was just remarkable the speed and efficiency which they went about their job attending to Corey.
"The four club doctors – there are two required for each team at every NRL game – were all on the field and helping Corey and each other as they provided that medical service to him.
"It’s a testimony to the fact that whenever we see someone in this game in trouble, everyone forgets about the colours of the jerseys and which team they work for.
"Everyone pitches in to make sure we get the best possible outcome. Corey had the very best of care and everyone responded magnificently and quickly."
After the shocking scenes which rocked the game, the forward has since left hospital and is recovering while with family before he returns to Canberra.
The backrower shared the following message on Sunday morning.
"I’m back at a family member’s now. I got discharged from the hospital about 3:30 this morning," Harawira-Naera said in the message shared from the Raiders’ social media accounts.
"Firstly, I want to thank the boys from both teams, our boys - the Raiders - and the Rabbitohs, our medical staff as well as the Rabbitohs medical staff, the paramedics, the doctors, coaching staff from both teams have showed concern, as well as all the footy fans, Raiders fans, family, friends.
"I’ve been pretty fortunate to receive a lot of messages about what happened last night. I’m doing a lot better now, love to you all for thinking of me.
"I’m back on the mend. 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."
A message from Corey Harawira-Naera 💚 pic.twitter.com/5rzfYahqVs
— Canberra Raiders (@RaidersCanberra) May 28, 2023
Ricky Stuart opens up on Harawira-Naera incident
"He’s gone with one of our staff members to the hospital in the ambulance," Ricky Stuart said post-match.
"They’re not sure why the seizure occurred. They’re situations that are very uncommon and they’re scary.
"When it’s one of your mates, it makes it even harder."
"It’s something I’ve obviously never come across before," Jarrod Croker said.
"I’m sure I felt, and the boys felt, exactly the same as you guys – everyone would have felt the same."
The Canberra captain revealed he had gone into the Souths sheds after the matched and thanked the opposition for helping to form a shield around Harawira-Naera while he was being treated on the pitch.
"We were doing all we could, albeit it wasn’t much because we couldn’t do a lot," he said.
"Footy was the furthest thing from everyone’s mind at the time, so I thanked the Souths boys for that as well."
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
Meanwhile, Cody Walker opened up about the situation which rocked the game and left players visibly concerned and emotional.
"It’s not something you want to see on the footy field," he said.
"We go to battle on the footy field and want to hurt each other in a clean way but you never want to see a player like that.
"On behalf of everyone here at the club, we just want to send our thoughts and prayers to his family."
Hope you are okay Corey Harawira-Naera. 🙏 Sending our love!
— South Sydney Rabbitohs 🐰 (@SSFCRABBITOHS) May 27, 2023
What happened to Corey Harawira-Naera?
"It was awful," Stuart said on the touchline when interviewed by Fox League straight after the final whistle had been blown.
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart gives us an update on Corey Harawira-Naera from the ground. pic.twitter.com/MBL2anM5bR
— Fox League (@FOXNRL) May 27, 2023
"I just spoke to the doctor then and he said he had a seizure and they’re unsure in regards to why.
"There doesn’t seem to have been any contact to the head. So, they’re at a bit of a loss at the moment as to why it occurred.
"You could see how the players shielded Corey when he was on the ground. They didn’t want anybody to see what he was going through."