BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Raiders Head coach Ricky Stuart He signed a multi-year contract extension in August 2025 after leading the team to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years, and has been with the team since his return in 2021 as announce his resignation letter to bold……… see more

In a dramatic and emotional development, Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart — the man credited with leading the team through one of its most successful seasons in a quarter-century — has announced his resignation, just two months after signing a multi-year contract extension in August 2025.

The announcement, confirmed through an official club statement early Thursday morning, has sent shockwaves through the rugby league community and the Raiders faithful who viewed Stuart as the steady hand behind the team’s revival.

(Editor’s note: Early versions of this headline referenced the “NBA Finals,” which appears to be a reporting error. The Canberra Raiders compete in the National Rugby League (NRL), not the NBA.)

A Coach Who Brought Canberra Back to Contention

Ricky Stuart’s impact on the Raiders has been nothing short of transformative. Since returning to the club in 2021, he rebuilt a struggling roster into a formidable, finals-contending force, blending veteran experience with promising young talent.

Under his leadership:

• The Raiders reached the NRL Preliminary Finals for the first time in years.

• Canberra recorded its best win percentage since the mid-1990s.

• The team rediscovered its trademark toughness, defense, and culture of accountability that had defined its golden era.

His 2025 campaign was especially remarkable — a blend of tactical discipline, emotional resilience, and team unity. Canberra’s deep finals run revived national enthusiasm for the Green Machine and reminded fans why Stuart was considered one of the sharpest minds in rugby league.

The Shock Resignation

According to sources close to the Raiders’ front office, Stuart submitted his formal resignation letter on Wednesday evening to the club’s leadership — referred to internally as “the board” — effectively stepping down from his role immediately.

No explicit reason was given in the public statement, though insiders cite personal reflection, tension over long-term strategy, and the strain of sustained competition as possible contributing factors.

In a heartfelt message released shortly after, Stuart said:

“Coaching the Canberra Raiders has been the greatest privilege of my professional life. I’ve poured my heart into this team, and I’ll always be proud of what we’ve achieved together. It’s simply time for me to step aside and give the club space to continue growing in new directions.”

Team and Player Reactions: ‘A Father Figure to All of Us’

The news hit hard across the Raiders organization. Players, past and present, flooded social media with messages of gratitude and disbelief.

Captain Elliott Whitehead expressed his admiration, saying:

“He’s more than a coach — he’s a father figure to all of us. The passion he brought every day was unmatched. We owe so much of our success to him.”

Star fullback Jordan Rapana added:

“It’s hard to imagine this club without Ricky. He believed in me when nobody else did. Canberra won’t be the same.”

Fans outside GIO Stadium gathered throughout the morning, leaving green and white scarves near the club gates in tribute to the man who restored their pride.

Inside the Decision

While Stuart’s decision appears final, multiple reports suggest growing philosophical differences between the coach and upper management regarding future roster strategy and player recruitment.

According to sources within the club, Stuart had voiced frustration about budget constraints and talent retention challenges following the team’s finals run.

“Ricky wanted more control over the football department and development pipeline,” one insider told The Canberra Times. “He didn’t feel the organization was aligned with his long-term vision.”

Still, club executives maintain the decision was mutual and respectful, emphasizing that Stuart leaves with the organization’s full gratitude and support.

Official Statement from the Raiders

In an official press release, the Raiders wrote:

“We would like to sincerely thank Ricky Stuart for his outstanding leadership, dedication, and contribution to the Canberra Raiders. His passion and loyalty have been instrumental in restoring the pride of the Green Machine. Ricky will forever be part of this club’s legacy.”

Club CEO Don Furner confirmed that the Raiders will appoint an interim head coach in the coming days, with a full search for Stuart’s permanent replacement to follow in the offseason.

Who Could Replace Him?

Early reports suggest that Brett White, current assistant coach and former Raiders prop, is the leading candidate to take over in an interim capacity.

Other potential names linked to the role include:

• Michael Maguire, the New South Wales Blues coach and former Rabbitohs premiership winner.

• Jason Demetriou, should he become available after the 2025 season.

• Cameron Ciraldo, current Bulldogs coach and rising tactical mind.

The club has yet to confirm a timeline for official appointments.

Legacy of a Canberra Icon

Regardless of what comes next, Ricky Stuart’s name will forever be etched in Raiders history. A former club legend as a player and a respected strategist as a coach, Stuart bridged generations — from the glory years of the early ’90s to the revival of the mid-2020s.

He leaves behind not just wins and finals appearances, but a legacy of resilience, unity, and deep community connection.

“Ricky gave this city belief again,” said one longtime fan outside the club’s headquarters. “He made us proud to wear the green.”

An End — and a Beginning

For the Canberra Raiders, Stuart’s departure closes a remarkable chapter in the club’s modern story. His leadership laid a foundation for the next era — one built on heart, discipline, and an unrelenting will to compete.

And for Stuart, this may not be goodbye forever. Several reports suggest he could step into a senior advisory or front-office role within the NRL, continuing to shape the game he has dedicated his life to.