“LOCK IN TILL 2028”GOOD NEWS: Canberra Raiders National Rugby League (NRL) Current Head Coach Ricky Stuart , has agreed on a 3 years contract extension worth $95.7 million, Game change over for ….see more

In a groundbreaking development, long-time head coach Ricky Stuart has officially agreed to a 3-year contract extension worth $95.7 million, keeping him at the helm of the Green Machine until the end of the 2028 NRL season.

The contract is believed to be one of the largest coaching deals in rugby league history, and a reflection of Stuart’s deep connection to the club, his legacy as both a player and a coach, and the Raiders’ vision for the future. With this extension, Canberra has made its boldest play yet to return to the top of the NRL ladder — and stay there.

Contract Breakdown: The Details

• Length: 3 Years (2026–2028)

• Total Value: $95.7 million AUD

• Annual Salary: Approx. $31.9 million

• Incentives: Grand Final appearance bonuses, Premiership bonuses, Player development benchmarks

• Additional Roles: Oversight of football operations and junior pathways

This deal doesn’t just keep Ricky Stuart in charge of the Raiders’ NRL side — it expands his influence across the club’s entire footballing structure, making him one of the most powerful and highest-paid figures in Australian rugby league.

A Deep Bond Between Coach and Club

Ricky Stuart: Raider for Life

Ricky Stuart’s connection to Canberra runs deeper than most coaching tenures in modern sport. A former halfback for the Green Machine during their golden era, Stuart was part of the legendary Raiders sides of the late 80s and early 90s, winning three Premierships (1989, 1990, 1994) alongside greats like Laurie Daley, Mal Meninga, and Bradley Clyde.

Returning to the club as head coach in 2014, Stuart inherited a side that was struggling to find an identity. Since then, he has gradually rebuilt the Raiders into one of the most respected and resilient teams in the competition.

Coaching Achievements:

• NRL Head Coach Since 2002 (Roosters, Sharks, Eels, Raiders)

• Coached Canberra Since 2014

• 2019 NRL Grand Finalist

• 2020 Preliminary Finalist

• Consistent top-eight finishes despite roster challenges

• Instrumental in developing players like Jack Wighton, Josh Papalii, and Hudson Young

Why This Extension Is a Game Changer

1. Stability in an Unstable League

The NRL coaching carousel is notorious — long tenures are rare, and pressure is unrelenting. By extending Ricky Stuart through 2028, the Raiders have broken that cycle, prioritising loyalty, culture, and long-term vision over knee-jerk reactions.

Stuart’s leadership has been central to the Raiders’ ability to retain players, attract emerging talent, and develop juniors through their academy and NSW Cup systems.

2. A Statement of Intent to the Competition

The contract isn’t just a show of faith in Stuart — it’s a warning to rivals. Canberra has no intention of floating mid-table or rebuilding. They’re backing their man to deliver the ultimate prize.

With a young core of players like Jamal Fogarty, Hudson Young, Joseph Tapine, and emerging stars in the system, this deal reinforces Canberra’s ambition to be a Premiership threat every season.

3. Player Confidence and Recruitment Boost

Players want clarity. They want to know who will be coaching them, mentoring them, and shaping their careers. With Stuart now secured through 2028, the Raiders can go to the market with a powerful pitch:

“Join us — you know who’s in charge, you know our culture, and you know our direction.”

This will be especially important in upcoming off-seasons as contracts expire across the league. Expect the Raiders to be aggressive in the player market in the next 18–24 months.

Stuart’s Reaction: Emotional, Focused, Committed

In a press conference at Raiders HQ in Bruce, Ricky Stuart appeared visibly emotional as he discussed the new deal.

“This club is everything to me. It gave me my start as a player, and it trusted me as a coach when things weren’t easy. I don’t take that for granted. We’ve had some ups and downs, but I believe the best is still ahead.”

“This deal isn’t about money — it’s about finishing what we started. I want to bring a Premiership back to Canberra. That’s the goal. Always has been, always will be.”

Stuart also confirmed he’ll play a more active role in the Raiders’ junior development, helping shape the next generation of Canberra stars.

Fans and Players React: “Sticky Forever”

Jack Wighton (former Raider and Dally M Medallist):

“Sticky built me into the player I became. Without him, I don’t win a Dally M. I owe him everything. The Raiders keeping him? That’s the smartest move they’ve made in years.”

Joseph Tapine:

“When Sticky talks, you listen. He doesn’t sugarcoat things. He tells you how to win and how to be better. That’s why we believe in him.”

Fan Reactions:

• “Sticky is the soul of this club. We’re lucky to have him.”

• “$95M? Worth every cent if he brings us a comp.”

• “Now we go build a dynasty. No more excuses.”

• “He IS the Raiders.”

Merchandise sales reportedly spiked 300% within 48 hours of the announcement, with the club launching a limited-edition “Locked In with Sticky” supporter kit.

What It Means for the NRL Coaching Landscape

Setting a New Benchmark

Ricky Stuart’s extension – and the massive dollar figure attached to it – could have ripple effects across the league.

With top-tier coaches like Craig Bellamy (Storm) nearing retirement, and others like Jason Demetriou (Rabbitohs) and Trent Robinson (Roosters) under growing pressure, Stuart’s deal sets a new bar for coach compensation.

Expect managers representing rising coaches like Ben Hornby, Billy Slater, and Cameron Ciraldo to reference Stuart’s deal during negotiations.

Pushing Coaching Roles into Executive Territory

Stuart’s extension also includes expanded responsibilities in football operations, player development, and even recruitment strategy. That signals a shift in how top-tier coaches are utilised — more than just on-field tacticians, they’re becoming club architects.

The Road Ahead: Can Stuart Deliver a Premiership?

The Pressure Is On

With great money comes great expectations. The Raiders haven’t lifted the Provan-Summons Trophy since 1994, and though they’ve come close — most notably the heartbreaking 2019 Grand Final loss — they’ve often faltered in crucial moments.

This extension will now raise the stakes for Stuart:

• Finals? Expected.

• Top 4? Strongly preferred.

• Grand Final? Within reach.

• Premiership? The mission.

Recruitment & Retention

Stuart will need to:

• Lock in key players long-term (e.g., Fogarty, Tapine, Young)

• Bolster the halves and outside backs

• Continue producing NRL-ready juniors

• Possibly attract a marquee signing to “seal the deal”

Development Focus

Stuart’s expanded role includes overseeing the Raiders’ junior academy, feeder programs, and NSW Cup side. He’s already credited with building pathways that brought Xavier Savage, Matt Timoko, and Trey Mooney into the top grade.

This new deal will empower him to accelerate that talent pipeline, which is vital in a salary-cap era.

Legacy in the Making

If Ricky Stuart brings a Premiership back to Canberra within the next three years, his status will be elevated to legendary heights — not just as a player, but as the most successful coach in Raiders history.

Few coaches get the chance to write both ends of a club’s history — the beginning as a player, and the peak as a coach. Ricky Stuart now has that chance.

Final Thoughts: The Green Machine Is Gearing Up

Ricky Stuart’s $95.7 million extension through 2028 is more than a coaching deal — it’s a statement of identity, ambition, and belief. It tells every fan, player, and rival club:

“The Raiders are serious. The time is now. And we’re riding with Ricky.”

For a team that has often danced on the edge of greatness, this might be the move that finally pushes them over the top.