Corey Horsburgh knocks back Wests Tigers move, recommits to Canberra Raiders
Corey Horsburgh has knocked back a three-year deal at the Wests Tigers and will recommit to the Raiders long-term in a sensational backflip.
After a rollercoaster 12 months that included stints in reserve grade and on the sidelines due to suspension, the cult hero returned to form late in the season.
Horsburgh, who represented Queensland last year, had fallen out of favour in the nation's capital under Ricky Stuart in 2024 and was seeking an early exit.
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According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the 26-year-old has decided against a move to the Tigers following his side's dramatic final-round win over the Dragons.
Corey Horsburgh celebrates his match-winning try in round 27. Getty
Horsburgh had also been linked to St George Illawarra in recent weeks, but coach Shane Flanagan denied the two parties had opened negotiations.
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The middle forward is now expected to remain at Canberra until the end of his contract, which runs until the end of 2027, with Stuart previously leaving the ball in his court after reports emerged of a falling out between the pair.
"I've got no doubt about his football talent ... there's nothing personal with Corey and I, there's nothing personal at all," the coach said.
"I really like Corey as a person, I'm just trying to help Corey. It's purely up to Corey. I want Corey at the club and Corey knows the way I need him at the club.
Ricky Stuart has spoken out on his relationship with Corey Horsburgh. Nine/Getty
"It's not a personal issue. I tell Red what he needs to hear, his father's a big supporter, his mother's down in the changeroom now, his family.
"All the boys want Red playing beside him when he's like this today."
The news is a blow for the Tigers, who have been on a recruitment drive recently in a bid to strengthen their pack and would have benefited from Hosburgh's aggression.
Jack Bird and Royce Hunt will move to Concord next year after agreeing to terms, joining the likes of Panthers duo Jarome Luai and Sunia Turuva.
