It was an honest mistake and one Corey Horsburgh's paying for now.
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But the Canberra Raiders fiery prop has vowed to make amends for the embarrassment he's caused his club and family.
Horsburgh was convicted of drink driving and fined $500 and had his driver's licence disqualified for three months.
He had a blood-alcohol reading of 0.06 after drinking with friends and teammates on Christmas Eve.
Horsburgh thought he'd waited long enough to be able to drive.
"It was an honest mistake. I thought I waited long enough, but obviously I didn't and I'm paying the price now," he said, speaking for the first time since his ACT Magistrates Court appearance.
"I was sitting with the boys. The boys had a few drinks and I thought I waited long enough because I felt fine, but it turns out it was a mis-judgement and a mistake.
"I know not to drive after having any drinks. It's something I've got to learn from.
"I've seen what it's done to the club and the family - the embarrassment - hopefully I learn from it and it makes me a better person."
MORE RAIDERS NEWS
While the NRL integrity unit was yet to finalise Horsburgh's punishment, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has suspended him from selection for round one - against the Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium next Sunday.
That could be all he'll miss, with a final decision expected this week.
But it will mean Horsburgh might have to force his way back into the Green Machine forward pack through the NSW Cup.
He's vowed to do exactly that.
"It could affect the start of my year. If I have to play Cup, which I probably will because of the side we've got now," Horsburgh said.
"I'll put my best foot forward if I have to do that and hopefully get myself back in the team. I did it to myself.
"[Stuart] wasn't happy. Obviously. But he just said you've got to deal with the consequences and we support you.
"He's been good. Just got to hopefully repay him with some good footy when it's all over."
Horsburgh said he also has to work on controlling his emotions - as well as his tackling technique.
He was put on report twice for shoulder charges in the Raiders' two pre-season trials at Seiffert Oval last week, but both were thrown out.
The 23-year-old was also involved in some push-and-shove with Sydney Roosters second-rower Angus Crichton.
He knows opposition players will look to bait him.
"I've got to work on that. I've said it a few times, I'm not hiding from that," Horsburgh said.
"That's how I play my footy, but I've got to use it in a better way - not like on the weekend.
"It's controlling your emotions, which I haven't been good with. I'm getting better at it, but it's probably my downfall.
"I'm working hard with [sports psychologist] Chris Horsley and people that go through the same stuff I am. I am getting better, but it's just a slow process."
Horsburgh missed most of the 2020 season after suffering a foot injury against Parramatta, which ruled him out for the rest of the season.
He said it would still take some time to fully heal, but he was able play and train on it.
"It's good. It's not 100 per cent. It's one of those injuries that sit around for a little bit," he said.
"But I can do everything now and it's not affecting me in any way. It's just after a big [training] session you feel it. They said after a couple of years it's back to normal."
NRL ROUND ONE
March 14: Canberra Raiders v Wests Tigers at Canberra Stadium, 4.05pm.