It’s been a whirlwind week for Canberra forward Corey Horsburgh. 

The wantaway prop met with Brisbane coach Kevin Walters for contract talks on Wednesday, while on Saturday he will play his first NRL game since round five. 

Current coach Ricky Stuart has elevated Horsburgh back into the 17 in the hope of sparking his ailing side, despite the former Queensland State of Origin representative having permission to meet with rival clubs.

Horsburgh is still contracted with the Raiders until the end of 2027 but has played just two first-grade games in a season curtailed by injuries and suspension. 

The 26-year-old was initially named as a reserve to face Penrith on Saturday, but will come onto the bench in place of Emre Guler.

Horsburgh has been one of the star performers in Canberra’s ladder-leading reserve-grade side since returning from a three-game ban for headbutting and punching Warriors forward Jacob Laban.

Despite his uncertain future at the club, Stuart said the fiery forward had impressed in training and deserved his spot back in the 17.

“I only ever want the best for Corey Horsburgh,” he said. 

“It’s hurt us not having him in the team. 

“I’ve got a very, very young squad of football players here and it’s my job to shape their careers. And I need every player to be living (up) to the standards and the professionalism of being an NRL player and a Raider. 

“And that’s not just Corey Horsburgh, it’s everybody.”

Horsburgh’s manager Jeff Jurotte has told AAP Wests Tigers, Canterbury and St George Illawarra have also shown interest in his client’s services, but the door remains open to him staying at Canberra beyond 2024.

Stuart has consistently said Horsburgh remains a part of his plans and will hope the forward can add some spark to a side lacking in grit in recent weeks.

Their flaccid display in last round’s 42-4 loss to North Queensland left Stuart ropeable, and the Raiders’ season all but over.

They must win their remaining three games and count on other results going their way to realise their slim finals hopes. 

Confronted by a Panthers outfit that has won nine of their last 11 encounters, it’s an exceedingly unlikely proposition, even with star halfback Nathan Cleary absent through injury.

But Canberra will be motivated to get a win for captain Elliott Whitehead in his final game in front of the home faithful.

Stuart said Whitehead, who will re-join former club Catalans Dragons in the Super League next year, would be remembered for a great career in Canberra.

By Jacob Shteyman in Canberra