<?xml version="1.0" encoding="ISO-8859-1"?> <docID>327419</docID> <postdate>2024-08-23 11:58:19</postdate> <headline>Horsburgh back for Raiders days after meeting rivals</headline> <body><p><img class="size-full wp-image-327420" src="https://citynews.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/20240331001925192236-original-resized.jpg" alt="" width="900" height="600" /></p> <caption>Corey Horsburgh is back in Canberra's 17 and will take on reigning premiers Penrith on Saturday. (James Gourley/AAP PHOTOS)</caption> <p><span class="kicker-line">By <strong>Jacob Shteyman</strong> in Canberra</span></p> <p><strong>Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has elevated want-away star Corey Horsburgh back into his NRL side, just days after the prop met with Brisbane coach Kevin Walters.</strong></p> <p>Horsburgh has been given permission to meet with rival clubs, despite being contracted with the Raiders until the end of 2027.</p> <p>The former Queensland State of Origin representative has played just two first-grade games in a season curtailed by injuries and suspension.</p> <p>But he has been one of the star performers in Canberra's ladder-leading reserve-grade side since returning from a three-game ban for head butting and punching Warriors forward Jacob Laban.</p> <p>Horsburgh was initially named as a reserve to face Penrith on Saturday, but will come onto the bench in place of Emre Guler.</p> <p>If the 26-year-old makes it on to the field at GIO Stadium, it will be his first NRL appearance since round five in April.</p> <p>Despite his uncertain future at the club, Stuart said Horsburgh has impressed in training and earned his spot back in the 17.</p> <p>Horsburgh's manager Jeff Jurotte has told AAP Wests Tigers, Canterbury and St George Illawarra have also shown interest in his client's services, but the door remains open to him staying at Canberra beyond 2024.</p> <p>Stuart has consistently maintained Horsburgh remains a part of his future plans and will hope the fiery forward can add some spark to a side lacking in grit in recent weeks.</p> <p>Their flaccid display in last week's 42-4 loss to North Queensland left Stuart ropable, and the Raiders' season all but over.</p> <p>They must win their remaining three games and count on other results going their way to realise their slim finals hopes.</p> <p>Confronted by a Panthers outfit that has won nine of their last 11 encounters, it's an exceedingly unlikely proposition.</p> <p>But Canberra will be motivated to get a win for captain Elliott Whitehead in his final game in front of the home faithful.</p> <p>Stuart said Whitehead, who will re-join former club Catalans Dragons in the Super League next year, would be remembered for a great career in Canberra.</p> </body>