The big talking point coming out of last night’s clash between the Melbourne Storm and the Canberra Raiders on the Sunshine Coast was Corey Harawira-Naera’s brutal hit on Storm halfback Jahrome Hughes that resulted in the Canberra second-rower being sent off.

If Canberra does not make the finals then it is likely that we have seen the last of Harawira-Naera in 2021 as the NRL’s official website has revealed that the New Zealand International has been charged with a grade-three reckless high tackle that could see him be suspended for a maximum of four games, but will likely only be three if he pleads guilty.

Luckily for Harawira-Neara, he has had a clean record for the majority of his career, otherwise, he would be facing six weeks on the sidelines.

Throughout the game itself, the Raiders displayed glimpses of their past selves and put up one of the more formidable performances that we have seen from any team who has faced the Storm this season, with the final score ending up 26-16 the way of the defending premiers.

‘He can’t remember anything’ 😳😳

Bellamy reveals scary fallout after Raider was SENT OFF for horror shot https://t.co/w9AQEgOMQZ pic.twitter.com/dCHGds90e8

— Fox League (@FOXNRL) August 12, 2021

Canberra have a tough run home with games against the Sea Eagles, Warriors and Roosters still to come, with the Green Machine realistically needing to win three of those games to cement a spot in the top eight, which is now going to be even harder without arguably their best player this season in Harawira-Naera, who has scored four tries, made four line breaks, averaged 82 running metres and made 469 tackles for an efficiency rate of 91.4% in 2021.

Jahrome Hughes took to his Instagram page this morning to give an update on his condition and thank Harawira-Naera for checking in on him, and the 26-year-old has responded.

“Again my bro, heaps of Aroha [love] your way, and sorry is an understatement of how I’m feeling towards you,” Harawira-Naera said via Hughes’ Instagram post.

“I didn’t get much sleep last night but hope you did and get back to full health soon my bro.”

Both Corey Harawira-Naera and Jahrome Hughes have displayed great maturity and respect for one another in this situation, but unfortunately, the former is still set for a sizable stint on the sidelines.