THE MOLE: The three-year feud behind Corey Horsburgh's explosive punch on Ryan Matterson
Fiery Raiders forward Corey Horsburgh's brain snap against Parramatta's Ryan Matterson was sparked by a feud that stretches back some three years.
Horsburgh was sent to the sin bin for allegedly punching Matterson during a tough clash in Canberra, won ultimately 26-18 by the Raiders.
But the incident that saw him sent to cool his heels can be traced back to an infamous night at Bankwest Stadium in 2020.
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Horsburgh left the field in tears after suffering a broken ankle in a tackle involving Matterson.
Corey Horsburgh threw a punch at Ryan Matterson during the Raiders' 26-18 win against the Eels. Nine
The pair almost came to blows then and Horsburgh broke down and flipped the bird at the small crowd as the Parramatta fans taunted him when he left the field. It ended his season.
It was the low point of Horsburgh's career, who has turned his game around admirably this season as has been one of the Raiders' best.
But he clearly hasn't forgotten the incident three years ago and when a melee broke out in the first half, he sent a blow aimed at Matterson's chin.
Referee Grant Atkins had no hesitation sending Horsburgh to the sin bin but it didn't stop the Raiders going on to record their fifth straight win.
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