Despite producing a miracle final-minute win on Thursday night, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart took a not-so-subtle dig at the NRL after his side once again lost the penalty count.
Stuart was seething for most of the match against the Sharks after copping a disallowed try in the first half and then a sin bin in the second stanza.
Watch your team in the 2025 NRL Telstra Premiership. Stream every round LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play, on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer.
Stuart called out NRL chief executive Andrew Abdo following his side’s loss to the Sea Eagles two weeks ago, claiming he’d been gagged from talking about referees.
The Canberra coach looked like he was ready to explode before the miracle winning try at the death but he still came into his post-match press conference ready to fire some shots.
“I think the penalty count was 7-2, ok fine if we’re giving penalties away that’s great but you can’t tell me other teams don’t give away penalties as well,” he said.
“Todd (Smith) is a wonderful referee, I’m not having a crack at him, he’s a wonderful ref. I hope I’m allowed to give him a rap.
“We’re not that ill-disciplined. This team is not that ill-disciplined. I don’t know what I can do as a coach because I don’t go out and coach grubby tactics, I don’t go out and coach to be ill-disciplined. Ask anyone that I coach.
“I’m just really proud. Everyone has seen what this club is about in that last minute and a half, everyone has seen what this club is built on.”
Sticky celebrates possible try OTY | 00:59
MORE NRL NEWS
THRILLER: Ricky’s Raiders score miracle try at the death to steal victory
WATCH: Raiders star binned amid NRL’s crackdown on high shots
HOOPS: Tigers’ bid to make teen star $5m man; one query left in DCE saga
‘NUMBERS DON’T LIE’: Ryles’ regrets laid bare as Eels’ direction questioned
‘HE’S A WINGER’: Cronk says Eels’ Lomax experiment at centre should end
‘THINGS GOING ON’: Ex-DCE heir who’s starring elsewhere responds to bombshell
The NRL sent out a warning this week that it was cracking down on high tackles and Raiders backrower Hudson Young was the first victim of the new approach when he was binned in the 58th minute.
Stuart was asked if he thought the rules around sin bins for high shots were now clear and he simply responded “no”.
Foxsports.com.aurevealed that Abdo and Stuart spoke following his comments after the Manly loss and the coach alluded to their conversation when asked about the disallowed try for obstruction in the first half.
“As I said to some people last week, you can give vocab to whatever outcome you want,” he said.
“You can give the vocab to whatever outcome has been given on the field because I can give you vocab in regards to the last time we spoke about this that makes me sound right.
“I’m confused with it”.
Young binned after high shot crack down | 00:30
MORE NRL NEWS
EXTRA TIME: NRL boss denies gagging coaches, responds to Ricky’s call out
TEAMS TALKING PTS: Bronco’s big break; star casualty of Latrell move
‘ALARMING’: Panthers in nine-year low as great questions Bulldogs raid hangover
BULLDOGS: The long game behind stunning rise as No. 7 takes next step
Despite the sin binning, Raiders coach Ricky Stuart paid tribute to Young’s form, highlighted tonight by two-try performance and his role in the match winner. Stuart even anointed Young as a future captain of the club to replace Joseph Tapine.
“This is the best start to the season I reckon Hudson’s had since I’ve coached him.
“He’s really started the season well and his off field manner, his leadership, he’s very authentic.
“He loves rugby league, he loves the Raiders, he loves his position in the club at the moment.
“He’s a guy who can one day take over Taps as a captain, you know, if he’s around that long. He’s wonderful assistance for Taps as a leader. I reckon it’s the best start of his season I’ve had him in his career.”
Fitzy’s reasons for back-to-back losses | 04:33
Watch LIVE coverage of the 2025 Betfred Super League season on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer
Discussion about this post