Veteran coach signs monster new deal

Press conferences in the nation’s capital will remain compulsory viewing after veteran coach Ricky Stuart signed a new deal to stay with the Raiders until the end of the 2029 season.

Stuart recently became just the fifth coach in history to be in charge of 500 first grade matches, with the former representative halfback doing a brilliant job to have his side inside the top eight heading into Magic Round.

After stints with the Roosters, Sharks and Eels, Stuart returned to the Green Machine as coach in 2014 and helped them reach the grand final in 2019 where they were beaten by the Roosters.

His ability to get the best out of his players has been one of his greatest strengths, with Stuart backing his men, which has made them buy into what he’s trying to do at the club.

The club’s decision to re-sign him will allow him to work with young guns like Ethan Strange and Chevy Stewart, who are seen as future stars of the game, while it’s a win for fans who love to see his passion on the sidelines or in press conferences after games.

“The Raiders are in the process of moving through a significant transition, with one of the youngest playing squads in the NRL and we see Ricky as a central part of that transition,” Raiders chairman Dennis Richardson said.

“His values and character have been an important ingredient in the attraction of the young talent we’ve been able to bring to the club in recent times.

“His re-signing until the end of the decade provides continuity and certainty for a playing group which we believe has the potential to deliver the ultimate prize in the coming years.

“As everyone knows, Ricky is very much a part of the Canberra, Queanbeyan and regional community and his commitment and passion for the green machine is legendary.”