Corey Horsburgh’s future at Canberra appears increasingly bleak after being axed following his “brain explosion” in the Raiders’ season-ending loss to Newcastle.

On a day of big-name returnees with James Tedesco, Dylan Edwards and Bradman Best all chances to come back from injury, Horsburgh was the most notable absentee from team lists.

The Raiders prop is signed with Canberra until the end of next season, but has been linked with a move to the Broncos for 2027.

That came before Horsburgh drew the ire of Raiders coach Ricky Stuart on Sunday, when he was sin-binned for slapping Dane Gagai late in the 30-24 loss to the Knights.

“It was a f***ing brain explosion, and we lost the opportunity,” Stuart said afterwards.

“We lost the start of the season because we were self-entitled and undisciplined and (now) we’ve lost the opportunity to continue trying to make the semis.”

Stuart responded on Tuesday by leaving Horsburgh out of his side to face Cronulla, with Ata Mariota instead moving to prop.