TOUCH DOWN FEW MINUTES AGO: Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart suspended totally from NRL Sports…

In a shock move that has sent shockwaves through the rugby league world, the National Rugby League (NRL) has totally suspended Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart with immediate effect, the league confirmed moments ago.

The unprecedented decision — which removes Stuart entirely from all coaching duties, team facilities, and club activities — came after what NRL officials described as “conduct unbecoming of a head coach and in violation of league integrity policies.” The suspension blocks Stuart from attending training sessions, match preparation, or even interacting with Raiders players during the upcoming finals series.

Stuart, a veteran coach with over two decades in the top league and widely regarded as one of the most outspoken figures in rugby league, has had a history of disciplinary run-ins with the sport’s governing body. In previous years, he has been fined and even briefly suspended for comments made about opponents and referees — including a one-game suspension in 2022 for his remarks about Penrith Panthers player Jaeman Salmon — but nothing of this scale has occurred in his long career. (Nine)

League Statement and Reasoning

In an official statement, the NRL’s football operations unit cited multiple breaches of the league’s code of conduct:

• Repeated public criticism of match officials and league governance.
• Allegations of improper influence over officiating and disciplinary processes.
• Comments deemed damaging to the reputation of the NRL and the sport as a whole.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said in the statement: “The National Rugby League has a responsibility to uphold the highest standards of professionalism. Actions that undermine the competition’s integrity cannot be tolerated, and effective immediately, Ricky Stuart is suspended pending further review.” The statement indicated that the NRL board could extend the ban or impose additional sanctions depending on the outcomes of its ongoing investigation.

Reaction From Raiders and Rugby League Community

Inside GIO Stadium, Raiders officials were reportedly blindsided by the announcement. Sources close to the club say executives are in emergency talks to determine an interim coaching structure ahead of the club’s must-win matches. Assistant coaches are understood to be preparing to take over first-team duties on short notice.

Current and former players took to social media within minutes of the announcement, with reactions ranging from support for Stuart’s passion and leadership to concern over the abrupt disruption late in the season.

Prominent league commentators have described the suspension as “historic” and “a seismic moment for the NRL.” If upheld, the decision could set a precedent for how the league handles disciplinary matters involving senior coaches, with potential implications for coach- conduct policies moving forward.

What This Means for Canberra Raiders

Stuart’s Raiders have been one of the most talked-about teams this season, blending an aggressive playing style with a passionate and sometimes controversial coaching approach. Canberra recently secured the minor premiership — the club’s first in decades — and entered the finals as genuine title contenders. How this off-field upheaval will affect their campaign remains to be seen.

The NRL will reportedly convene a disciplinary hearing within the next seven days to determine whether Stuart’s suspension will be extended for the remainder of the season or if further penalties — including fines or longer bans — are warranted.

Fans and pundits alike will be watching closely as this developing story unfolds, with full details expected to emerge once the league’s internal review concludes.