Canberra Raiders star Corey Harawira-Naera is on the mend after being discharged from hospital on Sunday, but he's not in the clear yet as it's still unclear exactly what led to his collapse and seizure on the field.
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Harawira-Naera had scans at Westmead Hospital after the Raiders' emotional 33-26 win over South Sydney and will see a neurologist on Monday or Tuesday to try to get to the bottom of what happened.
The 28-year-old was discharged about 3.30am and was in good spirits and much better health.
As an indicator of how well he'd recovered there were suggestions he could be fit enough to play against the Wests Tigers at Campbelltown on Friday - although that was highly unlikely with caution to be exercised no matter how well Harawira-Naera had responded.
He spent Sunday with family before travelling back to Canberra later in the day.
Harawira-Naera collapsed in the 66th minute not long after a powerful run, with medical staff instantly running on to the field to his aid.
But there were suggestions it was after the run he took about 30 seconds earlier that the problems may have started.
He remained bent over for a few seconds afterwards before get involved in the play again.
The game was held up for about 10 minutes before he was taken from the ground on a medicab and then transferred to an ambulance.
Harawira-Naera had a virus going into the game, but whether that played a part in his collapse was also unclear.
The Kiwi international's sister was at the game and, after obviously being distressed initially, she was able to go with him to the hospital.
In a video message he made Sunday morning, he thanked his teammates and the Souths players for the way they handled the situation.
"Just a short update on how I'm going. Back with my family members now. I got discharged from hospital 3.30am," Harawira-Naera said.
"Firstly I want to thank the boys from both teams - our Raiders boys and the Rabbitohs - our medical staff, as well as the Rabbitohs medical staff, the paramedics, the doctors, coaching staff of both teams who showed concern, as well as all the footy fans, Raiders fans, family, friends.
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"I've been pretty fortunate to receive a lot of messages about what happened last night.
"I'm doing a lot better now so love to you all for thinking of me and your prayers.
"I'm back on the mend, not in the clear yet, but I'll get some scans and sort it out. Health comes first, but I'm hoping to get back on the field as soon as possible."
The players, led by some of the Raiders leaders like Josh Papali'i and Jarrod Croker, formed a ring around him as he lay on the ground being treated to help give him some privacy.
Papali'i, who has played 273 NRL games, 14 Tests and 23 State of Origins, said it was one of the scariest things he'd ever experienced on a football field.
"It was just scary. You don't wish that on anyone in footy," he said.
"That's probably one of the scariest things I've seen on a footy field, but there was reports he was doing good.
"Thoughts and prayers with Corey right now. I hope he pulls through and is OK."
NRL ROUND 14
Friday: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Campbelltown, 8pm.
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David Polkinghorne
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
Covering the Raiders, Cavalry, cycling and racing, plus everything else that involves sport in the ACT, for The Canberra Times. Basically I love sport and watching it is a full-time job. Email: david.polkinghorne@canberratimes.com.au
