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'I've been ready for years': Raiders prop puts his hand up for Origin call

(Photo by Mark Nolan/Getty Images)

Firebrand prop Corey Horsburgh is willing to answer the call if Billy Slater needs him for State of Origin, insisting he’s “been ready for years” to represent Queensland.

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If the Maroons want some extra impact from the bench after their flat display in a 44-12 mauling at the hands of NSW on Sunday night, they might not need to look any further than Horsburgh.

The 25-year-old has been a standout for Canberra over the past month and the timing of his rich vein of form couldn’t be better as the Origin series goes down to the wire.

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Horsburgh has churned out an average of 149 metres a game with 50m post-contact in his past four NRL matches.

His output might be exactly what the Maroons need after Patrick Carrigan was the only Queensland forward to run for 100m on Sunday night.

Should Slater want him, Horsburgh said he wouldn’t let the Maroons coach down.

“I’ve been ready for years,” he told reporters.

“I love watching (Origin) and if I ever got the opportunity to play, I’m sure I’d take it with both hands … when it happens, it happens.”

At club level, Horsburgh is routinely gives the Raiders plenty of spark off the bench.

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Horsburgh ranks eighth among the NRL’s bench forwards in running metres per minute (2.36m), although that stat in his most recent month has soared (3.07m) and would rank second in the league, behind only South Sydney’s Hame Sele (3.11m).

He’s been in the frame for Origin selection in recent years but has been hampered by a string of injuries.

But Horsburgh said his body was fit and firing heading into the back half of the NRL season.

“It’s the first time in a few years I haven’t had any niggly injuries and I’m starting to get my confidence back,” he said.

“I’m just really enjoying playing footy, I love rugby league … that’s why I’ve been playing a bit consistently lately, I’m just enjoying it and having fun and it’s not as serious any more.

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“I’m loving footy at the moment and hopefully we keep building and stay injury-free.”

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R
RedWarrior 53 minutes ago
Records show All Blacks' greatest rugby adversary is now Ireland

Foster was literally whinging about the TMO in the Ireland series in the presser AFTER the RWC final. NZs whinging about the final itself was apparently picked up by Voyager 2 which was near the asteroid belt. What about the whingefest and crybabies after O'Mahony's legendary sledge (during the match) on Sam Cane?


I often hear talk about NZ players being poisoned or similar nonsense during the 1995 final. NZ boast that they are 'superstars' and 'humble heroes' on their own website. You gave England the same treatment in 2002-2003, calling them arrogant just because they beat you. They told the rest of us then what you were like, we should have listened. I would give as much credence to a NZ supporter disliking us, as I would to Krusty the clown saying the same thing. Let's just say your judgement may not be the best.


Regarding 2016, as the referee had basically let NZ away with cheating their way to victory via filthy dangerous play and fouling he was hardly going to pull Sexton up when clearly trying to stop a grounding. NZ always leave the boot or arm in to hurt a try scorer but that seems to be invisible to you entitles lot.


BTW NZ have literally being whinging and crying about Ireland since Soldier field. You are just very bad losers. We will be delighted to be shot of you on Friday. I hope we do so with a win, so that you rethink your philosophy of mocking opponents and spectators you've just beaten.


After the match last Saturday the internet was full of Kiwi supporters basically abusing English folk. Where is your national honour? Where is your national integrity?

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