Ricky Stuart

Ricky Stuart was born in Queanbeyan, New South Wales, Australia. He originally played rugby league as a child, but took up rugby union while attending St Edmund's College, Canberra.{{cite news| format=Fee required| title=Stuart given honour of addressing Wallabies| url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-87203669.html| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110516182246/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-87203669.html| url-status=dead| archive-date=16 May 2011| access-date=12 August 2007| date=14 November 2003| publisher=AAP Sports News (Australia) }}

Stuart was selected for the ACT Schoolboys in 1984,{{Cite news|date=29 August 1984 |title=Rugby Union |work=Sydney Morning Herald |page=35}} and attracted press attention the following season for a dominant display for his school in the Waratah Shield final.{{cite news|last=Sheehan|first=Paul |title=God Said the Winger Would Score, and He Did|work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=19 August 1985 |page=5}} He would play for the Australian Schoolboys in 1985, when he was acclaimed as the best prospect in schoolboy rugby union since Michael O'Connor and David Campese.{{cite news|last=Scholes|first=Gary|title=Ricky Retains the Right Line in College Rugby’s Ranks |work=The Sun-Herald|date=29 September 1985|page=92}}

Stuart's union career was with the Queanbeyan Whites before being selected for the Wallabies tour of Argentina in 1987. Stuart played three tour matches but no Test matches, in both the Fly-half and Scrum-half positions.{{Cite web|url=http://www.aru.com.au/wallabies/TheTeam/HistoricalWallabiesPlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1184|title = Wallabies Rugby | News | Jersey | Game | Wallabies}}

Always interested in converting to rugby league, Stuart was initially chased by Balmain,{{Cite book|title=Rugby League: The Official Yearbook of the NSWRL|date=1994|publisher=Ironbark Press|year=1994|isbn=0330274899|editor-last=Middleton|editor-first=David |edition=7th|location=Chippendale|pages=104-105}} who had a weakness in the halves at the time.{{cite book|title=Rugby League 1987–88|year=1988|publisher=Lester–Townsend Publishing |isbn=0949853119|editor-last=Middleton |editor-first=David|edition=1st|pages=104-105}} He also received offers from reigning premiers Manly and the newly formed Newcastle club.{{cite news|last=Webster|first=Jim |title=ACT Star Joins Manly Rugby Club: Raiders Fail to Snare Stuart |work=Sydney Morning Herald|date=23 September 1987 |page=71}} However, his residence in Queanbeyan meant that he preferred playing with Canberra, and after initially signing to play for Manly RUFC, the Raiders would double Balmain's offer in order to get him.{{cite magazine|last=Tasker |first=Norman|title=Double Deal: How Raiders Outbid Tigers for Stuart|magazine=Rugby League Week |date=7 April 1988 |page=6}}

With Chris O'Sullivan and Ivan Henjak holding down the Raiders' first grade inside back positions, Stuart began his senior league career in reserve grade. Although he would lift a previously weak Raider reserve grade team,{{cite news|last=Turner|first=Brad |title=Raiders Hand Out a Hiding |work=Canberra Times |date=10 April 1988 |page=1}} Stuart would remain in reserve grade until the regular halves became injured at the end of June.{{cite news|last=Tait|first=Paul|title=Fairfax to Take Over at Easts |work=Sydney Morning Herald |date=29 June 1988|page=75}}

Once promoted to first grade, Stuart immediately stamped himself as a player of genuine class,{{cite news|last=Turner|first=Brad|title=New Raider Beats the Butterflies|work=Canberra Times|date=4 July 1988 |page=28}} and by the end of 1988 was earmarked for representative honours. He soon became a key factor behind the club's most successful period in the late 1980s and 1990s, playing {{rlp|hb}} inside a backline including legendary talents Laurie Daley, Mal Meninga and Gary Belcher. After the 1989 Grand Final victory, Stuart and the Raiders travelled to England for the 1989 World Club Challenge which was lost to Widnes.{{cite book|editor-last=Middleton|editor-first=David|title=Rugby League 1989–90|isbn=0949853321|publisher=Lester Townsend Publishing|edition=3rd|year=1990|page=105}}

Although he had ambitions to play in representative rugby league as early as 1989, Stuart was never picked that season.{{cite news|title=Ricky Stuart’s Rep Dreams |work=Canberra Times |date=24 March 1989 |page=2}} However, he was already regarded as a strong candidate for the Kangaroo tour when the 1990 season opened.{{cite news|last=Turner |first=Brad|title=Stuart Might Leave Raiders|work=Canberra Times|date=22 February 1990 |page=24}} With New South Wales seeking new blood after two successive Origin cleansweep losses in 1988 and 1989, he was earmarked for a New South Wales halfback berth from very early in the season.{{cite news|title=Hail Return Tiger Heroes|date=29 April 1990|last=Clarkson|first=Alan|work=The SUn-Herald|page=71}} Stuart would not disappoint: New South Wales won the series 2–1 and he was named man-of-the-match in the second game of the 1990 State of Origin series. He then won the Clive Churchill Medal in the Raiders' 1990 grand final victory over Penrith, and had become a certainty to tour with the Kangaroos.

Stuart debuted in the first test of the 1990 Kangaroo tour against Great Britain in London in October 1990, playing five-eighth outside Allan Langer. This appearance saw him become Australia's 38th dual code rugby international, following Michael O'Connor and preceding Scott Gourley.{{cite book|last=Andrews|first=Malcolm|year=2006|title=The ABC of Rugby League|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation|location=Sydney|pages=19-49}} He replaced Langer at halfback in last two Tests, with Australia winning both.

Established in league's elite, Stuart would suffer throughout the 1991 season from a painful groin injury,{{cite book|editor-last=Middleton|editor-first=David |title=Rugby League 1991–92 |publisher=Playrwright Publishing|isbn=0949853496|pages=110-111|edition=5th|year=1992}} despite having an operation after returning home from the Kangaroo Tour.{{cite news|title=Stuart Moves To Save Injury-Troubled Year|work=Canberra Times|date=6 July 1991|pages=C12, C10}} He managed despite this handicap to play 24 of 26 club games for the Raiders, and all three Origin games for the Blues. However, Queensland won a very close series 2–1 and Stuart lost his Test jersey to Langer who was fitter and in better form at all levels. By the time of the finals, Stuart's kicking game was crippled by his groin trouble,{{cite news|last=Jessup|first=Ian|title=Stuart: I Probably Won’t Play|work=Canberra Times|date=5 September 1991|page=28}} and he was replaced by Scott Gale during the Raiders' grand final loss to Penrith.

During the 1991 season, the Raiders were plagued by massive debts and salary cap breaches, largely due to the cost of their move to Bruce Stadium and building a second leagues club.{{cite magazine|first1=Tony|last1=Durkin|first2=David|last2=Middleton|title=Busted Raiders|magazine=Rugby League Week|date=May 15, 1991|page=13}} It was initially thought Stuart might sign with English club Wakefield Trinity.{{cite news |last1=Peters |first1=Peter|author-link1=Peter Peters (rugby league)|last2=Hartley|first2=Greg|author-link2=Greg Hartley|title=Big English Bid for Stuart, Daley|work=The Sun-Herald |date=2 June 1991 |page=61}} Although – unlike the Raiders’ other stars – Stuart received no recorded offer from any other English or NSWRL club during the peak of the club's financial crisis in the following three months, Stuart would not re-sign until after Meninga, Daley, Clyde and Walters had done so.{{Cite book |last=Headon |first=David |title=Absolutely Bleeding Green: The Raiders Story |publisher=Allen and Unwin |year=2019 |isbn=9781760878689 |pages=154-156}}

October surgery aimed to repair Stuart's chronic groin problems,{{cite news|last=Clarkson|first=Alan|title=Fittler’s Chance To Shine|work=The Sun-Herald |date=6 October 1991 |page=62}} but in 1992, Stuart would suffer a posterior cruciate ligament tear that required another surgery,{{cite news|last=Hepworth|first=Kevin|title=Surgery Begins Reprieve for Stuart|work=Canberra Times|date=31 March 1992|page=20}} and consequently missed his first domestic representative games since debuting at that level. He recovered to help New South Wales to Origin success – winning his second Man of the Match award in the deciding encounter{{cite book|editor-last=Middleton|editor-first=David |title=Rugby League 1992–93|year=1993|publisher=Ironbark Press|location=Randwick|isbn=9781875471232 |pages=169-170 |edition=No. 6}} – and would be named Canberra's 1992 Player of the Year,{{cite news|last=Hepworth|first=Kevin|title=Stuart Snares Two Awards|work=Canberra Times|date=13 September 1992|page=18}} although the off-field problems from 1991 saw the club finish in the bottom five in all three grades.{{cite book|editor-last=Middleton|title=Rugby League 1992–93|pages=191-192}} With Langer having his best season ever, Stuart could not regain his Test jumper, but at the beginning of the 1993 season Stuart was seen as fully fit.

A recurrence of his groin problems saw Stuart miss the opening Winfield Cup game,{{cite news|last=Hepworth|first=Kevin|title=Raiders Hold On To Win|work=Canberra Times|date=6 March 1993 |pages=C16, C15}} which the Raiders lost to a 12-man St. George. However, upon returning Stuart played in his finest form yet, leading the Raiders to a sequence of thirteen wins and a draw in fifteen games from Rounds 7 to 21,{{Cite book |last=Headon |title=Absolutely Bleeding Green |year=2019 |page=165}} besides helping New South Wales to another Origin triumph with a third Man of the Match in the first game. A likely Canberra premiership triumph was quashed when Stuart broke his leg – ironically during a record 68–0 win against Parramatta – in the penultimate round, with the result that Canberra were easily beaten by Canterbury, St. George and Brisbane, falling from first to fourth in the process. Stuart nonetheless won the 1993 Dally M Medal for the Winfield Cup's Player of the Year, and won the Rothmans Medal with a vote total then beaten only by Mick Cronin in 1978.{{Cite news |last=Macdonald |first=John |date=8 September 1993 |title=In His Half: Stuart Takes the Medal |work=Sydney Morning Herald |page=60}} Stuart worked intensively to recover over the ensuing summer,{{Cite news |last=Prichard |first=Greg |date=16 January 1994 |title=Ricky Recovers on the Run |work=Sydney Morning Herald |page=67}} and was fit for the start of the 1994 season. He then reproduced his 1993 form, leading the Raiders to an emphatic 36–12 Grand Final triumph over Canterbury and New South Wales{{Cite news |date=21 June 1994 |title=Blues Whip Maroons To Win Series |work=The Age |page=52}} to a fourth Origin triumph in five seasons. Although there had long been intense debate as to whether Stuart should replace Allan Langer as Test number seven,{{Cite news|last1=Williams|first1=Daniel|last2=Magnay |first2=Jacquelin|date=22 June 1994|title=Fulton Favoured Stuart, but...|work=Sydney Morning Herald |page=60}} Stuart did not regain his Test place even after his third consecutive Origin win.{{Cite news|last=Prichard|first=Greg|date=12 June 1994|title=Ricky's a Half Chance – Alf's Spot in Danger |work=Sydney Morning Herald|page=67}} However, on the 1994 Kangaroo Tour Stuart did take over from Langer after the Kangaroos lost the First Test and led Australia to three Test victories.{{Cite book|title=Rugby League|publisher=HarperSports|year=1995|isbn=0732251370|editor-last=Middleton|editor-first=David|edition=8th|location=Pymble, New South Wales|pages=114-115}}

By the close of the tour, Stuart was viewed as the most influential, and possibly best, player in the world.{{cite news|title=How Ricky was Won: The Biggest Week in the Life of Three of the Biggest Names in Australian Sport|date=9 April 1995 |work=The Sun Herald|location=Sydney|first=Ian|last=Heads|page=68}}

Before Canberra's 1994 triumph, a "Super League" encompassing only elite teams had been envisioned by News Limited.{{cite book|last=Headon|title=Absolutely Bleeding Green|year=2019|page=182}} Canberra was one of the first clubs to sign with Super League – being forced to do so because Stuart and Bradley Clyde were pursued for huge money by ARL-loyal Sydney City.{{cite book|last=Headon|title=Absolutely Bleeding Green|year=2019|page=184}} Stuart was never in any doubt about Super League, despite strong counter-offers by the ARL outside of the Roosters.{{cite news|title=Super Ricky: “Never any doubt”|date=7 April 1995|work=Sydney Morning Herald|first=Jacquelin|last=Magnay|page=43}} At the height of the conflict, Stuart's asking price rose from $700,000 to $2,500,000 during one day, as he became the public face of Super League.{{cite news|title=Is Ricky Stuart the $2.5m man?|date=6 April 1995|work=Sydney Morning Herald|first=Jacquelin|last=Magnay|page=1}}

Appointed captain of the Raiders to succeed the retiring Meninga, Stuart would lead them to their best-ever regular season record of twenty wins and only two losses, but after defeating the Broncos 14–8 in Brisbane they would be thrashed 6–25 by the Sydney Bulldogs in their preliminary final.{{cite book|editor-last=Middleton|editor-first=David|title=Rugby League|year=1996|publisher=HarperSports|location=Pymble, New South Wales|isbn=0732256720|pages=196-197|edition=9th}} However, the ARL's blanket ban on Super League players meant Stuart would not play in any representative match in 1995{{cite news|title=Origin blacklist – ARL now rock-solid against picking breakaway players|date=16 April 1995|work=The Sun Herald|location=Sydney|first=Ian|last=Heads|page=59}} – indeed as it turned out he would never play representative rugby league again.

In 1996 Stuart initially refused to play in the ARL competition when the Federal Court ordered Super League-loyal clubs to play there.{{cite news |title=Top Clubs Agree to Rejoin ARL|work=Hull Daily Mail|date=15 March 1996|page=36}} The Court then forbade the commencement of any rival league,{{cite news|last=Whalley|first=John|title=Auckland and Canterbury Lead Clubs' Return to ARL|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=26 March 1996|location=London |page=39}} with the result that Stuart said he would rather play in England's new summer seasonFor 1996, Super League switched from rugby's traditional winter season from September to May to a summer season from February to September. than with the ARL.{{cite news|last=Hadfield|first=Dave|title=Australian Talent Eyes Britain|work=The Independent|date=26 March 1996|location=London|page=23}} Stuart would have his season ended by a knee injury after two games.{{cite book|editor-last=Middleton|editor-first=David |title=Rugby League|year=1997|publisher=HarperSports|isbn=0732257875 |page=58 |edition=10th}}

Stuart retired as a player in 2000 after failing to recover from a recurring knee injury.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/articles/2002/09/20/1032054963127.html|title = Legacy of the Dogs|date = 21 September 2002}} He had played a total of 243 first-grade games for the Raiders and Bulldogs since 1988.

{{BLP unsourced section|date=December 2017}}

Stuart began his first grade coaching career in 2002 with the Sydney Roosters, taking over from Graham Murray and winning the premiership in his first year as coach. Having won the 2002 NRL Premiership, the Roosters travelled to England to play the 2003 World Club Challenge against Super League champions, St Helens R.F.C. Stuart coached Sydney to a 38–0 victory. That season he took the Roosters to the grand final but they lost to Penrith. The 2004 Stuart-coached Roosters side was also beaten in the Grand Final, but the team struggled in 2005 and 2006. Stuart's contract was terminated and he left the Roosters two weeks before the end of the 2006 season.{{cn|date=October 2022}}

File:RICKY STUART .jpg

In 2007, Stuart took over from Stuart Raper as head coach of Cronulla with a two-year contract, which was then extended to the end of the 2011 playing season.

Despite the Sharks making the preliminary finals in 2008, Stuart's time with the club was marred by a horror year in 2009. Not only was the club in dire financial straits{{Cite news|last=Forrest|first=Brad|url=http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/pierce-stands-firm-as-cashstrapped-sharks-accept-nrl-rescue-bid/1509921.aspx |title=Pierce stands firm as cash-strapped Sharks accept NRL rescue bid|work=St George & Sutherland Shire Leader |access-date=24 May 2010 |archive-date=26 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110726010836/http://www.theleader.com.au/news/local/sport/rugby-league/pierce-stands-firm-as-cashstrapped-sharks-accept-nrl-rescue-bid/1509921.aspx |url-status=dead }} but the Cronulla club was also tarnished by media allegations about a 2002 group-sex incident involving former Sharks players, player Reni Maitua's dismissal after testing positive to drugs,{{cite web|url=http://wwos.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=816041|title=Reni Maitua tests positive to drugs}} removal of the captaincy from key player Paul Gallen, due to making racist remarks several unsavoury incidents involving now-disgraced CEO Tony Zappia.including Zappia's assault of a female staff member and involvement in an insurance-fraud fan donation scandal.{{cite news|work=Fox Sports|date=8 June 2009|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,8659,25603926-23214,00.html |title=Zappia quits}}

On 19 July 2010, Stuart resigned as Cronulla-Sutherland coach six weeks before the end of the 2010 season. Stuart said that he decided to leave Cronulla after he felt that he no longer had the support of his players. Stuart went on to say{{cquote|I just feel I can’t get that extra bit out of them at the moment, Talking to the players at halftime and after the game, I could probably sense with them that this was the only decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2019/07/19/july-19-gus-takes-reins-at-roosters-stuart-quits-sharks/|title=Gus takes reins at Roosters; Stuart quits Sharks|website=National Rugby League|date=18 July 2021}}}}

Stuart leaving the club ended yet another tenure prematurely and at loggerheads with club executives, members and players, with Cronulla appointing Shane Flanagan as his replacement.{{cite web|date=24 May 2010|url=http://www.sharks.com.au/?s=article-display&id=25978|website=NRL Media Release|title=Ricky Stuart Granted Release from the Sharks}}

File:Ricky Stuart.jpg

Stuart signed a lucrative three-year contract with the Parramatta Eels, beginning in 2013. This meant that Stuart had to stand down as the head coach of the New South Wales State of Origin team, as the state had put in a policy that the head coach would not have any relation to an NRL club. The Eels had in recent years been perennial underachievers, with Stuart set the task of resurrecting the Eels after they finished last in 2012. However, in the round 4 match against the Roosters, Stuart suffered the worst defeat in his NRL coaching career, losing 50–0.{{cite news|url=http://www.sportal.com.au/league-news-display/rampaging-roosters-obliterate-listless-eels-228582|title=Rampaging Roosters obliterate listless Eels|first=Adam|last=Lucius|work=Sportal|date=1 April 2013}} In the aftermath of the game, Stuart said at the press conference{{cquote|I can't say it won't happen again, it will and I hope to turn it around quickly but it won't, it is going to take a long time to turn it around, we have to keep building our roster because it is not up to the level of other rosters".{{Cite news|work=The Daily Telegraph|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/sydney-roosters-hammer-pathetic-parramatta-eels-50-0/news-story/c6e68d06f66e20d9a77ec4e7ebc4bc7a?sv=a0f100345cc79496eb9464604b627088|title = Pathetic Parramatta humiliated|date = April 2013}}}}

In April 2013 Stuart was fined $10,000 for questioning a referee's impartiality following a loss to the Gold Coast.{{cite news|url= http://www.3news.co.nz/Ricky-Stuart-cops-10000-fine-from-NRL/tabid/415/articleID/294434/Default.aspx|work=3 News NZ|title= Ricky Stuart cops $10,000 fine from NRL| date=16 April 2013}}

In June 2013, Stuart infamously told twelve Parramatta players via an overhead projector that their services were no longer required beyond the 2013 season.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/teams/eels/heartless-move-that-sparked-bad-blood-and-triggered-saviour-stuarts-messy-eels-exit/news-story/8603cec608697a0dc1069ba9cf8b82e7/|title=‘Heartless’ move that sparked ‘bad blood’ and triggered saviour Stuart’s messy Eels exit|work=Fox Sports}}

On 11 September 2013, Stuart announced that he was quitting Parramatta to join Canberra as head coach on a three-year contract to continue his coaching career. The day after he announced his move Stuart spoke at Parramatta's presentation night saying:{{cquote|I’ve been assassinated over the last day and I’ll be assassinated again tomorrow, but they are small-minded people. They don't understand the big decision I’ve had to make. It's been very hard, it's been very difficult, it’s a very big decision. I’ve had a lot of criticism today. It's not easy to take. I've had my character judged. I made a decision that’s best for my career and my family and I'll wear all the criticism.{{cite news|url=http://www.nrl.com/stuart-quits-eels-to-link-with-raiders/tabid/10874/newsid/74621/default.aspx|first=Ian|last=McCullough|work=NRL News|date=11 September 2013|title=Stuart Quits Eels to Link with Raiders}}}}

Stuart took up the head coach position of Canberra on a three-year deal in 2014.

Following Canberra's loss in round 10 of the 2014 season, Stuart spoke to the media saying:{{cquote|When you get s*** refereeing, sorry, when you get poor refereeing decisions that are just incorrect, purely incorrect, that frustrates you because it’s a tight competition and every game’s a tight game}}Stuart was later fined $10,000 by the NRL for his post match comments.{{cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/sport/nrl/ricky-stuart-rant-and-foul-language-mar-penrith-panthers-2620-win-over-canberra-raiders/news-story/dbf534c69602d1938b18fee4e7b065b0/|title=Ricky Stuart rant and foul language mar Penrith Panthers' 26-20 win over Canberra Raiders|website=Daily Telegraph|date=18 May 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/raiders/canberra-raiders-coach-ricky-stuart-fined-10000-by-nrl-over-foulmouthed-referee-rant/news-story/6ab8d4c1f48a1300e171fcdefedcdd01/|title=Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart fined $10,000 by NRL over foul-mouthed referee rant|website=News.com.au|date=21 May 2014}}

In 2016, Stuart coached Canberra to a second-placed finish at the end of the regular season. In week one of the finals, Canberra were upset in front of a sold-out home crowd losing to eventual premiers Cronulla 16–14. Canberra would defeat Penrith the following week to qualify for the club's first preliminary final in nineteen years. Canberra went on to fall short of a grand final appearance losing to Melbourne 14–12.{{Cite web|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-24/melbourne-storm-reach-nrl-grand-final-with-win-over-canberra/7874856|title = Storm to meet Cronulla in NRL grand final after 14-12 win over Raiders|website = Australian Broadcasting Corporation|date = 24 September 2016}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-finals-cronulla-sharks-upset-canberra-raiders-to-earn-preliminary-final-berth-20160910-grdch6.html|title=NRL finals: Cronulla Sharks upset Canberra Raiders to earn preliminary final berth|date=10 September 2016}}

In July 2018 after a match against Cronulla in which a refereeing mistake leading to a try cost the Raiders the game, Stuart demanded that the NRL overhaul the bunker system responsible for reviewing potential tries.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/canberra-raiders-coach-ricky-stuart-says-bunker-needs-overhaul-20180721-p4zsud.html|title = Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says Bunker needs overhaul|date = 21 July 2018}}

In the 2019 season, Stuart guided Canberra to a 4th-place finish at the end of the regular season. Canberra would then go on to defeat Melbourne and South Sydney to qualify for their first grand final since 1994. In the Grand Final against the Roosters, Canberra lost the match 14–8 in controversial circumstances. During the second half of the game and with only 10 minutes remaining, Canberra were initially given a new six tackle set after referee Ben Cummins had ruled that the Roosters had touched the ball. Canberra player Jack Wighton would then be tackled with the ball. Cummins later ruled that it was not a repeat set and it was a handover to the Sydney Roosters. In the following minutes, Roosters player James Tedesco would score the match winning try.

In the post-match press conference, Stuart told the media:{{cquote|You all saw it. None of us here will be commenting on that tonight. It's not the time to talk about it.{{cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-grand-final-player-ratings-roosters-and-raiders-hits-and-misses-20191006-p52y53.html/|title=NRL grand final player ratings: Roosters and Raiders hits and misses|website=SMH|date=6 October 2019}}{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/rugby-league/49950757/|title=Sydney Roosters beat Canberra Raiders to win NRL Grand Final|work=BBC Sport}}{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/grand-final-ricky-stuart-reaction-canberra-raiders-six-again-jack-wighton/ae39b639-d375-4608-89a6-af6285c3d635/|title=How Ricky Stuart reacted to grand final 'six-again' refereeing shocker|website=WWOS}}}}

In the 2020 NRL season, Stuart guided Canberra to a fifth placed finish on the table as they qualified for the finals. Canberra would eventually reach the preliminary final before losing to Melbourne 30–10. In the post match press conference, Stuart walked out after answering only one question.{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/ricky-stuart-storms-out-of-canberra-raiders-press-conference-after-one-question/edab3d4d-0eeb-4960-acc0-89d06797f8e0/|title=Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart storms out of press conference after one question|website=wwos.nine.com.au}}

In round 8 of the 2021 NRL season, Canberra were defeated by South Sydney 34–20 which included two tries that were disallowed against Canberra. In the post match press conference Stuart said:{{cquote|I'll look like a whinger, which I don't really give a shit about being labelled a whinger, but when you get a game out there where it's 8–1 in penalties, I just think it needs a discussion.{{cite web|url=https://wwos.nine.com.au/nrl/canberra-raiders-ricky-stuart-press-conference-south-sydney-rabbitohs/f1f8f4c8-ede3-4b92-9144-1c1ddf504245/|title='I don't really give a sh-t': Ricky Stuart unloads on lop-sided penalty count in Raiders' loss to Rabbitohs|website=wwos.nine.com.au}}}} Canberra would finish the 2021 NRL season in a disappointing tenth place on the table after the club were tipped to reach the finals and once again challenge for the premiership.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2021-canberra-raiders-vs-sydney-roosters-live-blog-live-stream-supercoach-scores-videos-jack-wighton-james-tedesco/news-story/745b280dcc746da257fecd8fda231afd/|title=Roosters' “Mr Fix It” stuns with hat-trick, Sloppy Raiders' final fade out ends season: 3 Big Hits|work=Fox Sports|date=2 September 2021}}{{cite news|url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/sport/nrl/nrl-2021-roosters-v-canberra-adam-keighran-stars-as-raiders-season-ends-with-shocking-defeat/news-story/f9ef95652ed66e97e4e047245f11da7b/|title=Tough conversations coming for senior Canberra stars as interest grows in Parramatta young gun Dylan Brown|work=The Australian}}

Following Canberra's 36–6 loss against Penrith in round 7 of the 2022 NRL season, Stuart was asked by journalists following the match on his thoughts about the Penrith crowd mocking Canberra's viking clap. Stuart responded with {{cquote|Is that really a big focus point?, Well if that is all we have got to talk about FMD.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2022-ricky-stuart-fiery-press-conference-canberra-raiders-vs-penrith-panthers-round-7/news-story/1cb595bd4ecbc4faaee4fb7fe331b37e/|title='F*** me dead': Ricky bristles over Viking clap question in tense Raiders presser|work=Fox Sports|date=24 April 2022 }}}}

Following Canberra's loss against Penrith in round 21 of the 2022 NRL season, Stuart commented on Penrith player Jaeman Salmon who had kicked out at Canberra's Tom Starling while he was playing the ball. Stuart went on to say {{cquote|I’ve had history with that kid. I know that kid very well. He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He's a weak gutted dog person now.{{cite news|url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7850219/weak-gutted-dog-ricky-goes-ballistic-at-panthers-low-blow/|title=NRL talking points: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart goes ballistic at Tom Starling low blow by Penrith Panthers' Jaeman Salmon|work=Canberra Times|date=6 August 2022}}}}

On 9 August 2022, Stuart was fined $25,000 and suspended for one match from the NRL over his comments towards Salmon.{{cite web|url=https://www.nrl.com/news/2022/08/09/ricky-stuart-breach-notice/|title=Ricky Stuart breach notice|publisher=National Rugby League|date=9 August 2022 }} Following Canberra's 48–2 loss against Melbourne in round 24 of the 2023 NRL season, Stuart walked out after just 80 seconds of the post match press conference. Stuart said{{cquote|It wasn't tough at all. It was just embarrassing. (I'm) absolutely embarrassed, I'll talk tomorrow about it. I'm not trying to be disrespectful to you mate. I just ain't in the mood for talking. Really, it's just… I'm here because I have to be.{{cite news|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-canberra-raiders-vs-melbourne-storm-ricky-stuart-press-conference-jarrod-croker-retirement-rugby-league-news-reaction/news-story/23d21279fb8a455a94c7bf2e05b5b2b6/|title=“Delivered up that crap”: Ricky storms out of 80-sec presser over ‘embarrassing’ Raiders|work=Fox Sports}}}} Stuart guided Canberra to an 8th place finish in the 2023 NRL season, but the Raiders would go on to be eliminated in the first week as they lost their elimination final against Newcastle 30–28 in golden point extra-time.{{cite web|url=https://www.foxsports.com.au/nrl/nrl-premiership/nrl-2023-canberra-raiders-season-review-jack-wighton-ricky-stuart-jarrod-croker-finals-knights-game-jamal-fogarty/news-story/4befaf00c9ae2de911aed34c6d80c77f/|title=Ricky turned losing a club legend into a winning season. Now for his biggest challenge|website=Brutal Review|publisher=Fox Sports}}

In 2024, Stuart coached his 250th game for Canberra against the New Zealand Warriors. They would go on to lose 18–10. Following Canberra's round 6 golden point victory over the Gold Coast, Stuart said in the post match press conference{{cquote|F*** me. He's on another planet, If he's critical of the six-agains and the penalties, he's on another planet.He coached well, but the way they cheated with hands on the ball [in tackles], the way they cheated on the ground.}} Stuart said this in relation to Des Hasler stating that the referees were unfavourable towards the Gold Coast.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-15/nrl-referees-des-hasler-ricky-stuart-chevy-stewart-offside/103709816/|title=NRL admits Chevy Stewart was offside before Raiders fullback charged down Titans' golden-point field goal shot|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}} In round 8 of the 2024 NRL season, Stuart coached his 500th first grade game which would end in a 40–0 loss against one of his former clubs in Cronulla.{{cite web|url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-04-28/nrl-live-updates-dolphins-knights-raiders-sharks/103764154/|title=NRL updates: Dolphins vs Newcastle Knights, Canberra Raiders vs Cronulla Sharks – blog, scores and stats|publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation}}

In 2005, Stuart was appointed coach of the New South Wales.{{cite news |first=David|last=Polkinghorne |agency= |title=Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart at Origin of NSW Blues' Queensland wins |url=https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7012494/stuart-at-origin-of-blues-queensland-wins/ |quote= |newspaper=Canberra Times |date=2020-11-18 |access-date=2023-01-12 }} Although Stuart only coached the NSW side for just one series, the Blues managed to win the series 2–1 after losing the first match in golden point. On 17 November 2010, Stuart was appointed as the state's first full-time coach of the New South Wales State of Origin team for two years. Stuart's victory in 2005 was the last time NSW won an origin series until the Laurie Daley-coached Blues won in 2014.

Stuart coached the Blues for the 2011 series, which was lost to the Maroons by two games to one.

Stuart continued in the NSW head coaching role for the 2012 series, which was once again lost by two games to one. For the second consecutive year however, New South Wales won Game II in Sydney. Shortly after signing on as Parramatta Eels coach for the 2013 season onwards, Stuart resigned from his role as NSW coach.{{cite web|url=http://www.heraldsun.com.au/sport/nrl/why-ricky-stuart-made-the-call-to-quit-coaching-the-nsw-blues/story-e6frfgbo-1226442895265|title=Why Ricky Stuart made the call to quit coaching the NSW Blues|publisher=Herald Sun}}

In December 2005, Stuart was appointed as coach of Australian national rugby league team, replacing Wayne Bennett after Australia's loss in the 2005 Tri-Nations Final to New Zealand by a scoreline of 24–0.{{Cite news

| last = AAP

| author-link = Australian Associated Press

| title = Stuart is new Kangaroos coach

| work = The Sydney Morning Herald

| place = Australia

| publisher = Fairfax Media

| date = 12 December 2005

| url = http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/stuart-is-new-kangaroos-coach/2005/12/12/1134235989301.html

| access-date = 6 March 2011}} This meant that Stuart had to stand down as coach of the New South Wales State of Origin team. Stuart enjoyed success with the Kangaroos: winning the Anzac Tests of 2006 and 2007, as well as the 2006 Tri-Nations. In addition, at the end of the 2007 season, the team won a one-off Test against New Zealand.

Stuart's Australian team lost the 2008 Rugby League World Cup Final to New Zealand, 34–20. Afterwards he was reported to be so incensed by the defeat that he verbally attacked Geoff Carr, the Chief Executive of Australian Rugby League, claiming that tournament organisers and match officials conspired to cause the Australian loss.{{cite web |title=Stuart's conspiracy claim rattles Carr |url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/stuarts-sour-grapes/2008/11/23/1227375062521.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107135411/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/stuarts-sour-grapes/2008/11/23/1227375062521.html |archive-date=7 January 2009 |access-date=9 February 2016 |website=leaguehq.com.au}} The next morning he had a chance meeting with Ashley Klein, who refereed the final, and Stuart Cummings, England's director of referees, at their hotel. He is reported to have verbally abused both officials in front of a number of witnesses, calling Klein a cheat, and of being physically and aggressively intimidating.{{cite web |title=Now Stuart stands accused of calling cup final referee a cheat |url=http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/now-stuart-stands-accused-of-calling-cup-final-referee-a-cheat/2008/11/24/1227491461252.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091009022226/http://www.leaguehq.com.au/news/news/now-stuart-stands-accused-of-calling-cup-final-referee-a-cheat/2008/11/24/1227491461252.html |archive-date=9 October 2009 |access-date=9 February 2016 |website=leaguehq.com.au}}

Stuart is married to his wife Kaylie and they have three children – daughter Emma and two sons Jackson and Jed.{{Cite web|url=http://www.smh.com.au/rugby-league/league-news/ricky-stuart-unveils-plan-for-autism-respite-centre-in-canberra-20140221-337so.html|title = Ricky Stuart unveils plan for autism respite centre in Canberra|date = 21 February 2014}}

Stuart was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen's Birthday Honours, for{{cquote|significant service to rugby league, and to the community.{{cite news |title=Queen's Birthday 2021 Honours – the full list |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/queen-s-birthday-2021-honours-the-full-list-20210613-p580pa.html |access-date=13 June 2021 |work=Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co. |date=13 June 2021}}}}

In 2011, inspired by his daughter being diagnosed with autism, Stuart and his wife founded the Ricky Stuart Foundation, a charity which aims to raise support for autism and to assist with the provision of carers and support for families.{{Cite web |title=Home |url=https://rickystuart.org/ |access-date=2024-09-05 |website=The Ricky Stuart Foundation |language=en-US}} The Raiders replace their major jersey sponsor for one round each year with the foundation's logo to help raise further support.

{{reflist|group=note}}

{{Reflist}}

• [https://www.raiders.com.au/teams/telstra-premiership/canberra-raiders/ricky-stuart/ Canberra Raiders profile]
• [http://www.australianrugbyleague.com.au/index.cgi?det=1&intArticleID=287&sID=21 Stuart Appointed Kangaroos Coach] Australian Rugby League
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060901102820/http://www.sydneyroosters.com.au/yourroosters/playerprofile.php?coach_name=Ricky%20Stuart Sydney Roosters Profile] Sydney Roosters Rugby League 2006
• [http://www.nrl.com/Clubs/Roosters/RoostersTeam/tabid/223/Default.aspx National Rugby League Profile] National Rugby League Home
• [http://www.stats.rleague.com/rl/scorers/players/Ricky_Stuart.html Ricky Stuart] Rugby League Tables & Statistics
• [https://web.archive.org/web/20060829082901/http://stats.rleague.com/rl/soo/nsw.html State of Origin / New South Wales Players] Rugby League Tables & Statistics
• [http://www.aru.com.au/wallabies/TheTeam/HistoricalWallabiesPlayerProfile.aspx?pid=1184 Wallabies profile]

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before = Andrew Dunemann (interim)
2013|

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title = Coach
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years = 2014-Present|

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2011-2012

| after = Brad Arthur
2014-present

| title = Coach
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Parramatta Eels

| years = 2013

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{{Succession box

| before = Craig Bellamy
2008-2010

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2013–2017

| title = Coach
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State of Origin

| years = 2011-2012

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| before = Stuart Raper
2004–2006

| after = Shane Flanagan
2010-2013

| title = Coach
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Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks

| years = 2007–2009

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| before = Wayne Bennett
2004–2005

| after = Tim Sheens
2009–2015

| title = Coach
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Australia

| years = 2006–2008

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| before = Graham Murray
2000–2001

| after = Chris Anderson
2007

| title = Coach
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Sydney Roosters

| years = 2002–2006

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| before = Phil Gould
2002–2004

| after = Graham Murray
2006–2007

| title = Coach
{{flagicon|New South Wales}}
New South Wales State of Origin|

| years = 2005

}}

{{S-end}}

{{Canberra Raiders squad}}

{{Canberra Raiders squad 1989 NSWRL premiership}}

{{Canberra Raiders squad 1990 NSWRL premiership}}

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{{Canberra Raiders coaches}}

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}}

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Stuart, Ricky}}

Category:1967 births

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