Raiders coach vows to turn things around after Sharks defeat

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is determined to bounce back after a 40-0 loss to the Cronulla Sharks in round of the 2024 NRL season.

The Cronulla Sharks, currently leading the ladder, put on a performance that might just be their best this season, leaving the Raiders clearly outmatched.

Stuart looked visibly disappointed during the press conference after the game.

Keeping his comments on the defeat brief,

“It’s hard to sum up what happened moments ago,” Stuart shared with reporters.

“We had missed tackles and lacked quality play. It caught us off guard.”

Recognising the team’s lack of experience in roles, Stuart pointed out that injuries to players like Jordan Rapana, Jamal Fogarty, Elliott Whitehead, and Corey Horsburgh had an impact.

Youngster Chevy Stewart stepped up at fullback in place of Rapana, while Kaeo Weekes made his club debut at halfback after Fogarty’s injury against the Broncos.

Partnered with 19-year-old Ethan Strange, in midfield, Weekes struggled to ignite the offence, making it easier for the Sharks defence to anticipate their moves.

Stuart, marking his 500th NRL game as a head coach, acknowledged that the injuries have been tough and will continue to be a challenge.

He is determined not to let them become an excuse.

“I’m staying true to our plan with the players. I didn’t anticipate having to rely on so many of them all at once at this point in the season,” Stuart explained.

Despite the obstacles, Stuart remains dedicated to putting in the effort and guiding the team towards contention for a spot in the finals.

“We had a good turnout of fans tonight. It was humbling, but we’ll persevere and keep pushing,” Stuart concluded.

The Canberra Raiders will now look to round 9, where they are set to face the Manly Sea Eagles on Friday, May 3, where the NRL bookmakers currently have them as $3.80 outsiders to beat Manly.

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