Corey Horsburgh’s wait for a return to NRL action with Canberra is set to continue, with the firebrand prop sent off for punching in the club’s reserve-grade game.

Horsburgh was dismissed in the second half of the Raiders’ 24-18 NSW Cup loss to the Warriors in Auckland on Saturday after taking exception to a tackle from back-rower Jacob Laban.

One-time Queensland State of Origin forward Horsburgh appeared to throw a headbutt at Laban, before then unleashing a flurry of punches.

Laban and prop Tom Ale were both sent off for the Warriors after the set-to developed into a brawl, with NSW Cup referee Martin Jones claiming Ale had kicked at Horsburgh in the altercation.

The Warriors pair – along with Horsburgh – are likely to be sanctioned by the NSWRL match review committee on Monday.

For Horsburgh, it’s set to add to a lengthening absence from Canberra’s NRL side after starting the campaign with hopes of adding to his representative honours.

The 26-year-old missed the first three weeks of the Raiders’ first-grade campaign due to suspension, returning for two games before injuring a groin.

Horsburgh’s outing against the Warriors was just his second hit-out since getting the all-clear to return to play and a likely ban will only add to his wait to get back into Ricky Stuart’s NRL side.