Corey Horsburgh’s time away from Canberra appears to be coming to an end, with the prop reportedly rejecting offers from several Sydney-based clubs to stay in the nation’s capital beyond 2025. Earlier in the season, speculation was rife that the middle forward was set to leave Canberra, with both the Dragons and Tigers vying to secure his signature. It seemed almost certain that Horsburgh would be playing for another club next season, but an unexpected turn of events has changed that narrative.
Just days after a spectacular game-winning try against the Raiders, Horsburgh informed Tigers CEO Shane Richardson that he intends to remain in Canberra. This decision comes after he had been in discussions with Ricky Stuart, the Raiders coach, over the weekend.
Reports suggest that Horsburgh turned down a three-year contract offer to move to the Tigers’ Concord base, a decision that has thrown a wrench into the Tigers’ recruitment plans. The 26-year-old is now contracted to remain with the Raiders until the end of 2027, a move that is a significant blow to Tigers coach Benji Marshall, who has been focused on strengthening his squad for the upcoming season. Marshall had been looking to add Horsburgh’s talents to his side, but now will have to reassess his recruitment strategy moving forward.
After Canberra’s thrilling victory over the Dragons in Round 27, Ricky Stuart clarified that there was no bad blood between him and Horsburgh, stating that he wants the player to stay at the club and knows exactly how important Horsburgh is to their future plans.
Meanwhile, the Brisbane Broncos are reportedly interested in signing veteran Melbourne Storm prop Christian Welch for the 2025 NRL season. According to Newscorp, the Broncos are looking to add depth and experience to their forward pack, particularly after a disappointing finish to their 2024 campaign. Welch is under contract with the Storm until the end of 2026, with a mutual option for that season, but starting November 1, he will be free to negotiate with rival clubs.
The Storm, while keen to retain Welch, may have other options in their forward lineup. The club is set to welcome Stefano Utoikamanu from the Tigers next season and already boasts a strong roster of forwards including Nelson Asofa-Solomona (contracted until 2028), Josh King (2025), and Tui Kamikamica (2025). Additionally, several promising young forwards, such as Lazarus Vaalepu, are coming through the ranks, which could lead the Storm to consider releasing Welch early to ease salary cap pressures.
Welch’s role with the Storm has diminished somewhat in recent times, with the veteran prop spending more time coming off the bench. Given the Broncos’ need for experienced forwards following the departure of Thomas Flegler to the Dolphins, Welch could be the perfect fit. The Broncos have struggled to fill the void left by Flegler and have relied heavily on young stars Patrick Carrigan and Payne Haas to play significant minutes in the middle.
While the Broncos added Fletcher Baker and Jaiyden Hunt to their roster in 2024, neither player has delivered standout performances, leaving the team in desperate need of more experienced forwards to complement their young talent. Welch, with his leadership and veteran presence, could be the steadying force the Broncos need.
In another potential roster shakeup, the Newcastle Knights’ rebuild under Peter O’Sullivan is expected to result in young forward Mat Croker being released. Croker, who is out of contract at the end of 2024, is reportedly not being offered an extension by the club. The 24-year-old, a former NSW Under-16s and Under-18s representative, has played 15 games for the Knights this season, averaging 71 meters and 19 tackles per game. However, it appears that he will be another casualty of the Knights’ roster overhaul as they look to reshape their squad for future success.
As the NRL offseason approaches, clubs are making key decisions on player movements, balancing the need for experience, youth, and salary cap management. These transfers and signings will undoubtedly shape the competitive landscape of the 2025 season and beyond.
