Ricky Stuart Fires Back at ACT Chief Minister Over Stadium Remarks
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has launched a scathing critique of ACT Chief Minister Andrew Barr, dismissing his proposals for alternative venues as not only "ridiculous" but also "disrespectful" to the NRL club and its supporters. Stuart expressed deep sympathy for fans and the broader Canberra community who must contend with the aging Canberra Stadium, which is approaching its 50th anniversary next year.
Stuart Dismisses Barr's Venue Suggestions as Unrealistic
Barr recently asserted that the Raiders could utilize multiple venues in the ACT, including Manuka Oval, if Canberra Stadium were to close. However, Stuart completely rejected this notion, highlighting the impracticality of such alternatives. Manuka Oval has a capacity of just 15,000, with only 13,500 seated, while the Raiders averaged crowds of 18,446 during their 11 regular season games last year. Other options like Seiffert Oval and Viking Park offer even lower capacities, with Seiffert holding about 15,000 (only 2,000 seated) and Viking Park at 7,000 (1,000 seated). None come close to matching Canberra Stadium's 25,000-seat capability.
"It's a ridiculous comment," Stuart stated emphatically on Saturday. "It's a throwaway line showing disrespect to the club. Basically that's what it is." He emphasized his concern for anyone using the venue, referencing recent incidents such as leaks in change rooms and an injury to Canterbury coach Cameron Ciraldo, who required five stitches after a broken window in the coach's box cut him. Ciraldo noted that no one from the stadium had contacted him to inquire about the incident or his well-being.
Ongoing Stadium Controversy and Government Stance
Despite an ACT government report indicating the stadium's use-by date as 2027, Barr claimed last year that it could remain functional for another decade. This assertion has been called into question following the aforementioned issues, including the injury to Ciraldo and persistent infrastructure problems. Barr defended his position this week, stating, "Manuka Oval is of course available for elite sport and has hosted games in the past. There are other rectangular football venues in the city."
Stuart reiterated his frustration, saying, "I've got no control over how people handle those types of situations or scenarios, but I think everybody out there understands my feelings towards this stadium. I just feel very sorry for all our supporters and everybody in Canberra that have to use the stadium. That's who I feel sorry for mate. Apart from that ... we just get on with our job."
Team Updates Ahead of Crucial NRL Clash
In team news, Stuart has made a single change for the Raiders' upcoming match against the Cronulla Sharks at Canberra Stadium on Sunday. Joe Roddy will step in to replace the suspended Josh Papali'i. While Papali'i's absence is not ideal, having missed round two due to concussion, Stuart pointed out a silver lining: it helps manage the veteran player's physical loads, particularly his knee.
"It looks after his knee a little bit," Stuart explained. "Not that you want him to have a stop-start start to the season, but he's not going to play every game. We've got to look after his knee and look after him physically. So if there's any positive out of it, that is it. He played 50-odd minutes last week and he was a very, very high contributor for us. So he's going to be missed, but that's where I expect everybody else to step up now."
Stuart also highlighted the opportunity for Roddy, who impressed in his NRL debut last season with two tries. He labeled this upcoming game as Roddy's "genuine, authentic debut," noting that previous appearances were in a less competitive context. "It's unfortunate for Papa to have to sit out a week, but it gives another guy a great opportunity in Joe Roddy," Stuart added. "For me, this is probably Joe's genuine, authentic debut. I played a number of young boys against the Dolphins last year in our last game to give some players a well-earned rest. But really, for me, this is where Joe's really earned his position."
The Raiders are set to face the Cronulla Sharks in NRL Round Four at Canberra Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 4.05 pm on Sunday.
