Prickly Ricky sidesteps key question ahead of big semi
Dominic Giannini and Jasper Bruce |
A terse and testy Ricky Stuart has refused to discuss Canberra’s heartbreaking qualifying final loss as he attempts to rally the Raiders back on course for the NRL premiership.
The minor premiers suddenly find their inspirational season hanging in the balance, having coughed up a 16-point lead and fallen to Brisbane in a 94-minute week-one epic last Sunday.
Ahead of Saturday’s semi-final against Cronulla, the usually passionate Stuart was in no mood to reflect on a game already being dubbed one of the all-time great finals.
“I really don’t want to go back there. If you want to talk about tomorrow, I will,” the 2002 premiership coach said.
Stuart claimed to be unsure how to reset his players from the loss.
“I don’t know. Wait and see how it goes,” he said.
Stuart was similarly unwilling to delve into Canberra’s opponents the Sharks, who are coming of an extra day’s turnaround after ousting the dangerous Sydney Roosters from finals.
“You’ve seen enough of them play, mate,” Stuart said.
“They’re in the semis for a reason”.
But Stuart rejected the notion of Cronulla, frequently derided for their finals record, arriving in Canberra as underdogs.
“That’s just all talk from outside,” Stuart said.
“Craig (Fitzgibbon, coach) will have them 100 per cent ready, he’s done a great job with the team.”
In-form hooker Tom Starling was more forthcoming about the Raiders’ chances, telling reporters “bloody oath” the team was ready as he entered the stadium for the captain’s run.
Stuart lauded the sold-out GIO Stadium crowd for the Broncos final, noting they had produced was what “probably … the best experience I’ve had as a coach here at the club”.
“(The fans) are very authentic and they ride the wave of the boys and get right behind them,” he said.
“I think it’s a sold out game (against the Sharks) which is great support.
“There’s a feeling that there’s alot of people who are caring about the team.”
The winner of Saturday night’s clash will face Melbourne at AAMI Park in a grand final qualifier next Friday.
AAP
