Horsburgh confident Origin dream can become reality
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Raiders forward Corey Horsburgh has surged into contention for a Maroons debut but the in-form enforcer is safe in the knowledge that his time will come whether it be 2023 or beyond.
The 25-year-old Caboolture product's recent form could come as the perfect timing for Queensland following injuries to second-rowers Jai Arrow (syndesmosis) and Tom Gilbert (shoulder).
Having been in contention to make his Origin debut in 2020 before going down with injuries, Horsburgh is happy to be back to the sort of form that ensures he'll be in the mix ahead of Game Two squad announcements on Monday.
“I know I can get there. I’ve just got to stay injury-free and keep playing my style of footy,” Horsburgh said following Friday night’s loss to the Warriors.
“I was in and amongst it in 2020 and then I got injured so I’m kind of just going week-by-week as anything can happen in this game.
“I obviously love that my name is being thrown around and I feel like my game is going to keep getting better so hopefully over the next few years I get a crack.
“I feel like I’m getting better each week. If it happens this year, it happens this year. I’ll get there eventually.
“I’m confident I’ll get there one day but when they’re winning, it’s pretty tough to crack a team that’s killing it.”
Horsburgh's all ticker
Churning out an average of over 110 run metres and 35 tackles per game and showing utility value playing in both the middle and on the edge for in recent weeks, Horsburgh’s name has been thrown in the ring for Origin selection.
While the Queensland Under 20s representative is confident he will be back alongside his junior Maroons teammates, Horsburgh admitted his ambitions took a hit when the Raiders went down to the Warriors 36-14 on Friday night.
“It’s just tough after a loss to see myself in the picture,” he said.
“I’d love to, I feel like I’d fit in the arena well but there’s a lot of young fellas and people in my position killing it.
“I’ve played with a lot of those boys in my junior rep years so like Patty (Carrigan), Tom (Flegler) and Harry (Grant).
“So it’s great to see them playing now and I’d love to play with them but it’s good watching it. As long as Queensland wins, I’m a happy man if they win.”
Horsburgh admitted he was nervous for a moment in Friday’s match after a fiery moment with Warriors' winger Dallin Watene-Zeleniak but was relieved he could keep his hot-headed temper in check.
Horsburgh is fired up
“I went to throw one and went 'whoops', it’s not a good habit but I missed him so that’s a good result,” he said.
“I was surprised when I got the penalty but, not sure how I got over that one.
“It was a hard day at work. I think the effort was there, but we just beat ourselves again tonight.”
