Corey Harawira-Naera is reportedly free to explore an NRL return almost two years after he suffered a shock seizure that threatened to end his footballing career.
According to the SMH, Harawira-Naera has been informed that all medical, legal or regulatory roadblocks standing in the way of his rugby league rebirth have been cleared.
The 29-year-old last took the field in May 2023, suffering a seizure against the Rabbitohs before it was ultimately deemed impossible to determine the cause of the incident.
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Harawira-Naera has since gone through a wave of medical tests and his manager, George Mimis, even told him: “If you were my son, I’d tell you to hang them up.”
However, an NRL return is now on the cards and he believes “there would be tears” if he was able to play the game he loves again.
“It’s been a journey. For some it’s been a short two years, but for me it’s been pretty bloody long, to be frank. To have an opportunity, I have butterflies just thinking about it. I’m ready,” he said.
“We’ve gotten to a place where I can start looking ahead and planning to get back on the field.
“Knowing in the back of my mind that there’s a chance of getting back on the field, I felt lighter straight away. A whole lot of heavy head noise subsided pretty quickly.”
Harawira-Naera reportedly requested his manager to explore all his available opportunities both on and off the field following his seizure.
With a combination of medication and a Implantable Cardioverter-Defibrillator (ICD), the former Raiders gun is expected to avoid any further issues with his heart.
NRL clubs are now able to register a contract for Harawira-Naera to join their squad.
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However, his exile from the game did take an emotional toll as he nervously waited to find out if he could ever play rugby league again.
“I’m not going to lie, it’s been pretty taxing. Mainly mentally,” he said.
“Sometimes you just want to have an answer instead of not knowing. I couldn’t plan ahead, I didn’t know what I was doing next week for a good two years in a row.
“There was no deadline to work towards, that was the biggest drainer of my energy. Is it done? Am I chance? Do I hang the boots up?”
Meanwhile, Harawira-Naera’s seven-year old son has also returned to the field after being so traumatised he stopped playing following his Dad’s incident.
