Corey Horsburgh and the Raiders could be heading to a messy break up with a “communication breakdown” between the two sides blamed for the forward’s desperation to be granted an early release to the Dragons.
It’s been a season to forget for Horsburgh in 2024, one year after his strong play in the middle for the Green Machine earned him a maiden Origin jersey for Queensland.
Horsburgh has only played in two NRL games this season (Rounds 4 and 5) with injuries, suspensions and poor play keeping him out of the first grade side, which included a three week ban for his role in an ugly melee in NSW Cup.
Watch every game of every round this NRL Telstra Premiership Season LIVE with no ad-breaks during play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial today >
Despite being contracted until the end of 2027, the fiery forward wants a fresh start according to his agent Jeff Jurotte, with the Dragons the preferred destination.
The Daily Telegraph’s Phil Rothfield and Fox League’s James Hooper shed some light on just how bad the relationship between Horsburgh and coach Ricky Stuart was.
“His manager Jeff Jurotte approached the Raiders and asked for a release. He’s had a really unsettled season, he’s been suspended a couple of times, he’s had injury problems, I think he’s played 2-3 first grade games,” Rothfield said on NRL360.
“There’s been some sort of falling out with Ricky Stuart, there’s been some sort of communication breakdown there.
“He’s very keen to go to the Dragons. He admirers Shane Flanagan, he played junior football with Kyle Flanagan.
“Handy forward on his day but he’s got to get himself right and offer a bit more than what he has done in the national capital.”
Stephen Crichton ‘buy of the decade’ | 03:05
MORE NRL NEWS
TALKING PTS: Woes mask revival brewing at Tigers; crucial step in Dragons comeback
CLUTCH CLEARY: Half lauded following yet another game winning play
‘VERY SATISFYING’: Des believes Titans can pull off miracle
Hooper said he spoke to Stuart on Monday with the Raiders coach seeming to imply that Horsburgh wasn’t upholding the standards of the club.
“You’re definitely right about the communication breakdown. I spoke to Ricky Stuart today and he said it’s not correct that they’re not speaking at the moment which has come from his manager, but he did say ‘look, I expect every player will live up to the standards of being a Raider’,” Hooper said.
“Read into that what you will. To me it sounds like there is a bit going on there and that it looks like they will be parting ways.”
Horsburgh has served his suspension for the NSW Cup melee but remains in reserve grade.
He played in last week’s loss to the Bulldogs, running for 114 metres and making 29 tackles.
Source Agencies
