Queensland coach Billy Slater might be second-guessing himself after Corey Horsburgh put in a performance worthy of an Origin debut.
NRL: The Raiders have clinched an emotional 33-26 victory over the Rabbitohs after backrower Corey Harawira-Naera suffered a seizure on the field
The man they call ‘Big Red’ shaved his wild mane of hair after what he said was his very own ‘Britney Spears moment”, but he didn’t lose the ferocity that has made him one of the best forwards in 2023.
Corey Horsburgh sported a new hairdo on Saturday but still played with the same intensity that has him in the mix for an Origin debut. Picture; Brendon Thorne/Getty Images
His aggression is perfectly suited to the Origin arena while he’s also worked on his passing and has improved his fitness this year.
Plenty of good judges thought he’d be picked to make his Queensland debut, but Horsburgh couldn’t break into a forward pack brimming with big-game experience.
“I kind of knew that I wouldn’t be picked,” he said.
“They won last year and there are a lot of people in form in my position.
“I’ve got to keep playing good footy and keep getting better. If I ever do get the call then I get the call, but I’m not kicking stones. I’m just happy that I’m playing footy and I’m not injured.
“I think I’m playing well enough (to be picked) but Queensland is big on loyalty, especially in the forwards. They had a great series last year and they’re all playing really well this year.
“If I get my chance then that’ll be great, but I just hope they go out and win. I’m a proud Queenslander so I never want them to lose.”
Horsburgh could force his way into the side later in the series if anyone suffers an injury or if the Maroons need a spark off the bench. Picture; Mark Nolan/Getty Images
Horsburgh is no stranger to Origin footy having represented Queensland twice at under-20s level, and it’s only a matter of time until he gets picked by Slater.
The Maroons coach spoke with him two weeks ago but it won’t be long until Horsburgh gets a very different phone call.
“I’ve talked to him once,” said Horsburgh, who plans on wearing his Maroons jersey and eating a couple of pizzas on Wednesday night.
“He seems like a really good fella from the one conversation we had and he told me what I’m doing well and what I need to work on.
“He seemed happy with the way that I’m playing but he told me that my position is stacked and that I’ll get my crack eventually. I’ve just got to keep playing my style of footy and I’ll force my way in.
“If I’m talking to him then I’m doing the right thing.
“I had a chat (with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart) after the teams came out. Sticky is pretty good with that.
“He told me that everyone is really happy with how I’m playing and that the right people are happy. There’s not much you can do when everyone else is playing well.
“I’ll get my crack one day but I’ve got to keep playing better and better to force my way in.”
Queensland coach Billy Slater will have an eye on the Raiders forward over the coming weeks. Picture; Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images
Stuart was particularly pleased with Horsburgh’s performance against South Sydney on Saturday night, with the middle forward switching to an edge and starring in the 33-26 win.
The 25-year-old scored a try, had two line-breaks and four tackle busts in the first half, while he also came up with a couple of plays that wouldn’t look out of place in Origin when he leapt on loose balls to win his side possession.
“I’ve never really played there before. I’ve only had to fill in when someone’s been injured in the past. It was a new experience and I was just happy to get through it,” he said.
“I felt good out there, but then in the second half I kept getting gassed and then I’d come good and then get gassed again because I haven’t played there much before. I had fun out there and it was good to have some joy early.”