LeagueNews.co | Cooper McEnroe
Rugby League news down under has been abuzz with Canberra coach Ricky Stuart's scathing assessment of his team's recent game against the Cowboys.
Stuart, known for his tough coaching style and no-nonsense approach, did not hold back in his criticism of the Raiders' performance.
Describing the loss as a "boys' performance" and calling his players "precious," Stuart left no room for interpretation.
In a post-game press conference, the fiery coach expressed his disappointment, stating that the team's effort fell far short of what he expected.
"That was a boys' performance tonight.
In every little contest we got smashed," Stuart declared, using sporting analogies to drive home his point.
He highlighted the team's lack of grit and determination, emphasizing their inability to withstand the pressure and intensity of the game.
Despite showing promise in the early stages of the match, the Raiders ultimately succumbed to a crushing defeat.
Stuart lamented his team's inability to rise to the challenge, accusing them of not being willing to put in the hard yards and fight for every inch on the field.
"We got into the arm wrestle and we were the first team to break," Stuart remarked, employing a classic sporting cliché to illustrate the Raiders' downfall.
The loss left the coach visibly frustrated, as he made it clear that a more resilient and committed effort was needed moving forward.
With the NRL season in full swing, Stuart's tough-love approach serves as a wake-up call for the Raiders, who will need to dig deep and show more determination if they hope to turn their fortunes around.
In the world of Rugby League, there's no room for excuses or complacency, and Stuart's blunt assessment is a stark reminder of the high standards expected in the sport.