Horsburgh using breathing techniques to control his on-field fire

The fiery, red-headed young forward has revealed he's taken to breathing techniques to help curb his on-field anger.

The 21-year-old broke into the NRL in the first four rounds before being sent to NSW Cup for a spell, but returns for Saturday's clash with Penrith at Wagga.

His aggression has been welcomed by his teammates, but it's a tightrope between keeping that edge while staying disciplined which remains a work in progress.

He said his chats with the club's sports psychologist is helping him keep composed in games, especially as more experienced forwards look to niggle him.

"Just count to three, breathe and it's as simple as that," Horsburgh said.

"The people at the club (have helped me). I was just getting a bit angry so I'm working hard on that.

"I'm trying to get rid of it. I've been working on it, controlling the anger and Ricky (Stuart, coach) has been helping me out.

"I've got some breathing techniques and silly stuff like that. He wants me to control my head and bring it into my defence, instead of giving that penalty away.

"It still slips out sometimes, but I'm getting there."

Horsburgh is one of a handful of young forwards Stuart has rotated through the first grade team this year.

to ensure they avoid burnout in their first full season.

Jackson Murchie, JJ Collins and Hudson Young have also been used sparingly this year.

"'Sticky' (Stuart) told me when I started playing NRL I'd go in an out to look after me," Horsburgh said.

"There's a lot of good young fellas at the Raiders. Our (NSW) Cup team hasn't lost yet, so there's a lot of depth."

Raiders forward leader Josh Papalii certainly doesn't want Horsburgh to curb his aggression completely.

"He does have agro, I think we need that," Papalii said.

"It's something I hold highly in his game and you can't teach that, he's grown up that way and it's a beautiful thing."

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