Canberra coach Ricky Stuart isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, so it’s up to the players to prove they deserve to stay if the club hopes to turn things around next season.
Known for his loyalty, Stuart is quick to defend his players when he feels they’re being unfairly criticized. However, that loyalty isn’t being returned on the field.
This season, the Raiders have conceded 40 points or more in five games. With their finals hopes on the line, they’ve lost their last three matches by a combined score of 110-46, ensuring they won’t make the top eight.
Stuart, who has remained patient, finally reached his breaking point after Saturday’s humiliating 42-4 defeat to the Cowboys.
He delivered a scathing assessment of his team’s performance, calling it a “boys’ performance” and accusing his players of being “precious.”
“In every little contest we got smashed. It looked as though we didn’t train,” Stuart said.
“There wasn’t an individual out there that can stand up and say, ‘I did my job tonight.’ The frustrating part is I know we’re a better side, but I’m not going to protect blokes in there.”
With five years remaining on his contract, Stuart’s job is secure. However, others at the club might not enjoy the same job security if performances don’t improve.
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