But his NRL season could be over unless the Green Machine make the finals.

Harawira-Naera faces a three-game ban for his high shot on Melbourne halfback Hughes, which led to the 26-year-old being sent off in the dying minutes of the Raiders' 26-16 loss to the Storm at Sunshine Coast Stadium on Thursday night.

The New Zealand international was highly emotional in the sheds after the game and took to social media to express his remorse over the incident.

It's believed he's good mates with Hughes, the pair having played together for the Kiwis, further adding to his distress.

"In all my days of playing this game of Rugby League, I have never left the field feeling so disgusted in myself to the point where I had sat in the sheds and balled my eyes out for a good 5 minutes," Harawira-Naera posted on Instagram.

"The picture I have in my head of when I first looked up after the collision of your eyes rolled to back to your head and your body stiff bro @jahromehughes and being the cause of it gave me a feeling I never want to feel again or would never want anyone else to feel.

"What happen last night I wouldn't wish upon my biggest enemy and struggling to sleep last night hopefully shows how remorseful and sorry I am my bro, and I have what's coming to me when it comes to judiciary and will serve the time I have too.

"All love my bro and I hope to see you back to full health firstly and back on the field in no time bro."

The match review committee charged Harawira-Naera with a grade three reckless high tackle, which means a three-match suspension with an early guilty plea.

If he fights the charge and loses he'll miss four games, with only his clean record preventing him from facing a six-match absence - which would've ended his season unless the Raiders make the grand final.

The eighth-placed Raiders have three games remaining in the regular season as they fight with at least four other clubs for two spots up for grabs in the eight.

They have Dunamis Lui, Siliva Havili and Trey Mooney as options to bring in for their crunch game against Manly next Friday, but they could also recall Corey Horsburgh and Ryan James from their two-game loan to the Canterbury Bulldogs.

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Raiders coach Ricky Stuart came to Harawira-Naera's defence after the game, saying there was no malice in it.

Harawira-Naera became the second Raider to be sent off this season, joining Josh Papalii - who was sent off during Magic Round for a similar high shot when the NRL's crackdown on high contact began.

"If he's hit him in the head yeah it is fair [that he was sent off]," Stuart said.

"It's not in Corey's makeup to go up and try and hurt someone like that. It's a collision game and he's come in very fast ... and obviously [Hughes] was taken off.

"It would've been an error in judgement of contact. It's not something he would've went out to try and do."

Hughes also took to social media to thank Harawira-Naera and the Raiders for their concern following the game.

The 26-year-old will have to undergo concussion protocols during the week ahead of the Storm's game against the Gold Coast Titans on Thursday.

"Unfortunate way to finish the game but thats footy, was just a very unlucky and unfortunate event," Hughes posted on Instagram.

"Thanks to @horitecorey and the other Raiders lads who checked in on me after the game, appreciate it fellas.

"Also thanks to everyone who sent me messages checkin in on me. Sorry i couldnt get back to you all, but know that i do appreciate every single one of ya's."

NRL ROUND 23

Friday: Canberra Raiders v Manly Sea Eagles, venue to be confirmed, 6pm.