Ricky sticks up for Raiders over culture concern
COACH Ricky Stuart admits there have been more than a few “headbutts” at the Raiders this year but refutes allegations his side is fractured after a turbulent few months on and off the field.
Speaking after his side’s crucial 30-16 NRL win over Manly on Thursday night, Stuart delivered his most detailed account of what had transpired in the nation’s capital this season.
Stuart conceded the Raiders’ lean run was made harder given they had become so used to winning over the past couple of seasons, but was quick to quash rumours that he had lost the playing group.
The Raiders have dealt with a number of issues including George Williams’ messy departure, Joe Tapine’s partner unleashing on social media, as well as unfounded reports of a rift between Stuart and Josh Hodgson.
But Stuart praised Tapine’s performance off the bench, saying his past month has been his best of the season, before he dispelled the culture concerns.
“You hear a lot of comment about our situation at the moment that we’re fractured as a group and that we’ve got issues in the camp,” Stuart said.
“We haven’t, but we’re all very competitive individuals.
“We’re a club that strives to be a competitive football team that wants to play finals football. When you’re in a very volatile, competitive industry, there are always going to be headbutts.
“I’ve never coached a football team or been coached as a player where there hasn’t been a few headbutts throughout the year. We’re all men and we get on with it.
“It’s a lot different inside our club to what the comment is outside. I know we’ve been accused of players not putting in and a lack of effort, but that couldn’t be any further from the truth.”