Dragons prop Hame Sele diagnosed with serious heart condition, set to miss remainder of season

St George Illawarra prop Hame Sele is likely to be sidelined for the rest of the season after being diagnosed with a serious heart condition.

The Dragons loss to the Bulldogs was compounded by the concerning sight of Sele being taken to hospital, with initial reports of an irregular heartbeat.

However, Sele took to social media to confirm his diagnosis of pericardial effusion, which is a fluid around the sack of the heart.

READ MORE: 'Put it in the Louvre': 'Raygun' returns for last dance

READ MORE: Paris, it's been a ride: Highs, lows and everything in between

READ MORE: Both teams booed in bizarre last Paris medal match

Sele left the field 20 minutes into the first half and was captured on camera being loaded into an ambulance by Dragons staff at half time.

Post-game, Dragons coach Shane Flanagan was unable to provide many details.

"He's been taken to hospital ... it's a bit of a concern," he said.

"I don't want to comment too much on it because I don't know the full details."

Sele was cleared of the originally-reported irregular heartbeat on Sunday, with the club clarifying the situation.

"Hame Sele remains in hospital being monitored after experiencing chest pains and shortness of breath during last night's match," a statement said.

"Sele was admitted following a flu illness in the past three weeks. He did not experience an irregular heartbeat as was suggested.

"The club will continue to provide Sele with the best possible care and will provide a further update on his recovery in due course."

Watch the 2024 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now. 

Sele also took to social media to provide an update on his condition.