Corey Horsburgh has opened up about his departure from the capital, moving to the West Coast to become an inaugural member of the Perth Bear.
The Canberra Raiders prop secured a three-year agreement with the Bears to join their founding roster, crediting a brief discussion with Mal Meninga in Canberra for his decision.
The Maroons representative revealed that the talks "happened quickly" as Mal inspired him to "fall in love with the ideas he had around building a club" during the Bears' nascent years as an NRL side.
"I just felt like I needed a change, a bit of a refresh if you will," Horsburgh shared during an appearance on the club's Big Bears Podcast.
"I feel like I have so much more to offer. I am keen to show the Perth people what I can do.
"I can't wait for this move. My missus and family, we're excited.
"We've all seen what Canberra has to offer. I loved my time there, but I am ready for a change and ready to restructure my life."
Horsburgh chose to delay the announcement until after Josh Papalii's farewell match in Canberra and acknowledged that Mal quickly persuaded him.
"We talked a little bit, and then all of a sudden he flew to Canberra and had a chat with me and my girlfriend," he remarked.