Canberra powerhouse Corey Horsburgh has stunned the rugby league world by reportedly inking a surprise deal with Super League’s Catalan Dragons—an announcement that’s left fans and analysts alike gobsmacked.
Horsburgh, 26, has endured a turbulent 2024 and 2025 stretch at the Raiders: recurring injuries, repeated suspensions, and a notable demotion to reserve grade. Despite a State of Origin debut and match-winning form in 2023, that momentum dissipated, culminating in an on‑field blow‑up and a visible rift with coach Ricky Stuart ([zerotackle.com][1], [zerotackle.com][2]).
Adding to the drama, his camp confirmed pre‑contract talks with rival NRL clubs—including Broncos, Dragons, Tigers, Bulldogs—and now this Catalan coup has blindsided many ([reddit.com][3]).
On Reddit, responses range from mockery to cautious optimism:
> “With a lack of forwards on the market, you can’t do much better than Horsburgh.” ([reddit.com][4])
> “He just needs to tame it to bring out his best.” ([reddit.com][4])
Yet others express skepticism: fans question whether the fiery prop, known for his emotional intensity and aggro style, fits into the Dragons’ structured system.
Catalan’s bold move evokes memories of their controversial Israel Folau signing, which triggered Super League-wide backlash. But while Folau’s move centered on off-field controversy, Horsburgh’s is football-first—and focused on reclaiming the raw aggression that once made him a fan favourite.
If Catalan harness his “Big Red” grit—and Horsburgh finds the maturity critics have called for—it could prove a high-reward gamble. But as of now, it’s a jarring switch that leaves many scratching their heads.
