AAP Rugby

Raiders' Horsburgh faces ban for punch in NSW Cup

By AAP Newswire

Jun 29, 2024

Corey Horsburgh's wait for a return to NRL action with Canberra is set to continue, with the firebrand prop sent off for punching in the club's reserve-grade game.

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Horsburgh was dismissed in the second half of the Raiders' 24-18 NSW Cup loss to the Warriors in Auckland on Saturday after taking exception to a tackle from back-rower Jacob Laban.

One-time Queensland State of Origin forward Horsburgh appeared to throw a headbutt at Laban, before then unleashing a flurry of punches.

Laban and prop Tom Ale were both sent off for the Warriors after the set-to developed into a brawl, with NSW Cup referee Martin Jones claiming Ale had kicked at Horsburgh in the altercation.

Corey Horsburgh was one of THREE players sent off after this fiery incident in today's NSW Cup clash ðŸ’¥â€” Fox League (@FOXNRL) Tom Ale and Jacob Laban were also given their marching orders ðŸ‘‡ pic.twitter.com/NDM0iXUgOT June 29, 2024

The Warriors pair - along with Horsburgh - are likely to be sanctioned by the NSWRL match review committee on Monday.

For Horsburgh, it's set to add to a lengthening absence from Canberra's NRL side after starting the campaign with hopes of adding to his representative honours.

The 26-year-old missed the first three weeks of the Raiders' first-grade campaign due to suspension, returning for two games before injuring a groin.

Horsburgh's outing against the Warriors was just his second hit-out since getting the all-clear to return to play and a likely ban will only add to his wait to get back into Ricky Stuart's NRL side.