TOUCH DOWN FEW MINUTES AGO: Canberra Raiders Head Coach Ricky Stuart donates entire $5.5 million bonus—excluding his salary and sponsorship earnings—to charities and homeless relief. His act of generosity in a world often lacking compassion is truly remarkable…

In a bold and unexpected act of generosity, Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart has donated his entire $5.5 million bonus to a variety of charities and homeless relief organizations across Australia. The announcement, which stunned the sporting world just minutes ago, is being hailed as one of the most selfless gestures by a high-profile figure in recent memory.

According to the official statement released by the Raiders’ front office, Stuart made it clear that his decision was personal and deliberate. The donation excludes his standard coaching salary and income from sponsorships, making the $5.5 million gift purely from his recent performance-related bonus.

Stuart, a former player turned iconic coach, has long been known for his passionate leadership and unwavering commitment to his players and community. However, this act elevates his legacy beyond the field.

A Message From Stuart

“I’ve been blessed with a successful career in rugby league,” Stuart said during a brief media appearance outside GIO Stadium. “But I see people struggling every day—sleeping rough, families going without meals, kids with no safe place to go. If I have the ability to make even a small dent in that suffering, then it’s not just a responsibility—it’s the right thing to do.”

He added, “This isn’t about me. It’s about giving people hope and dignity. We’ve got enough headlines about division and greed—maybe this can start a few about unity and compassion.”

Where the Money Is Going

According to insiders, the funds will be distributed among:

• National Homeless Collective
• The Ricky Stuart Foundation, which supports families living with autism and disabilities
• Mission Australia
• St Vincent de Paul Society
• Smaller grassroots organizations in Canberra, Sydney, and regional NSW providing direct aid to rough sleepers

Stuart reportedly worked with his legal and financial team to ensure the funds were transferred securely and without administrative overheads that often dilute large donations. A portion will also be used to fund mobile support units offering medical aid, food, and temporary shelter in hard-hit rural communities.

Reactions From the Sporting World

The reaction from both inside and outside the rugby league community has been swift and overwhelmingly positive.

Australian Prime Minister Emma McKinnon called Stuart’s gesture “a beacon of leadership in a time when it’s needed most.”

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo added, “This is more than a sports story. Ricky has just redefined what it means to be a leader and a human being.”

Fans have flooded social media with praise, with hashtags like #ThankYouRicky and #StuartStrong trending nationwide. Former players and rival coaches have expressed admiration, calling the move “inspirational,” “humbling,” and “game-changing—not just for footy, but for humanity.”

A Legacy Beyond Rugby

While Stuart has already cemented his place in rugby league history through decades of service as both a premiership-winning player and respected coach, today’s announcement ensures that his legacy will stretch far beyond sport.

At a time when many headlines focus on scandals, greed, and division, Ricky Stuart has quietly reminded Australia—and the world—that compassion and generosity still have a place in the public arena.

And that sometimes, the most powerful plays happen off the field.