Raiders star has defibrillator strapped to chest
Readings from a defibrillator strapped to Corey Harawira-Naera’s chest have indicated the sidelined Raiders back-rower can increase his training loads, but a return to rugby league this season remains unlikely.
Harawira-Naera met specialists this week in his ongoing recovery from a career-threatening seizure suffered on the field in May last year.
Sources, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the health issue, confirmed that the Canberra forward was fitted with a defibrillator – a little larger than a Post-it note – underneath his arm several months ago.
The device constantly monitors Harawira-Naera’s heart rate.
Results from the device resulted in an encouraging verdict from the player’s cardiologist about upping the 28-year-old’s training.
Canberra declined to comment on
Harawira-Naera’s medical status and would not confirm if he has been cleared to return to play or any additional form of training, including contact training.
Canberra chief executive Don Furner and Harawira-Naera’s management declined to comment. Harawira-Naera has been able to do weights and some running as part of cardio training since Christmas.
Given he has been on restricted duties and, at times, not trained at all in the past eight months, any prospect of returning to the NRL in 2024 would appear remote.
Any decision on Harawira-Naera’s potential return would rest with the club doctors, who take on board medical advice from specialists.
There is still no certainty as to why Harawira-Naera collapsed midway through a match against Souths last year, suffering a seizure before being taken to hospital.
The former Kiwi international has undergone extensive testing and met numerous neurological and cardiovascular experts in a bid to return to the NRL.