Papua New Guinea Hunters rugby league player Jokadi Bire has been discharged from hospital after more than five weeks under observation.
The PNG Hunters show their support for teammate Jokadi Bire. Photo: Supplied/PNG Hunters
The centre was admitted to Gold Coast University Hospital on 15 June after falling ill at the start of a team weights session.
He was quickly diagnosed with a serious heart problem that required urgent, lifesaving surgery.
The surgery was performed later that day by a specialist team and lasted for nine hours.
PNG Hunters players show their support for Jokadi Bire during the Round 11 match against Burleigh Bears. Photo: Jesse Domic and Callum Gavin
Jokadi spent several days in an induced coma before being transferred to the cardiac rehabilitation ward at the hospital.
The 22-year-old Bire earned a spot in the Hunters squad after starring in last year's Digicel Cup domestic competition in PNG, scoring 11 tries for beaten finalists Lae Snax Tigers.
He made an instant impression in the Intrust Super Cup, scoring eight tries in 10 appearances before falling ill.
Bire is expected to return to good health but still faces a significant path to recovery, with the Hunters confirming he will not play for them again this season.
The club said he "was grateful for the many messages of goodwill that were sent by Hunters supporters and for the constant support of his Hunters teammates."
The player and Hunters team thanked the "outstanding doctors and nurses" who took "remarkable" care of the talented centre over the past five weeks.
"The medical specialists have been pleased with Jokadi's progress. We are delighted to have him back within the Hunters' playing group. He is a very popular
member of our squad and we will continue to support Jokadi with his recovery on the Gold Coast."