Tigers turmoil: Stuart feels little sympathy for rivals
Sebastian Tan |
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has little sympathy for fellow rivals Wests Tigers ahead of their crunch clash at GIO Stadium on Saturday.
The Tigers are in turmoil following star halfback Adam Doueihi sensationally ruling himself out of the game after disagreeing with head coach Benji Marshall’s call to parachute him to lock.
It was another drama the joint-venture club, who must win to keep their hopes of making a first NRL finals appearance since 2011 alive, could do without.
Marshall has also copped criticism over Jarome Luai’s early departure to Parramatta next year ahead of his move to the PNG Chiefs in 2028.
Marshall’s men are languishing in 14th position and on a five-game losing streak, but Stuart says he doesn’t pity his opposition and won’t offer Marshall advice.
“It’s just a part of your job. Every club, every coach has these types of dramas somewhere in the season and it’s how you deal with it,” Stuart said.
“It’s what happens when you’re dealing with 40 young players.
“You’re going to have all different types of scenarios, and you’ve got to have the leadership qualities to be able to handle it. I’m sure Benji will be jumping on top of that.
“He (Doueihi) is very much a club person, and I’m sure Adam and Benji will sort it out.”
Teen sensation Javon Andrews will play in the No.7 jersey on Saturday, but to make matters worse for the visitors they will also be without half Jock Madden after he suffered an injury at training while Latu Fainu is on a three-game suspension.
Wests aren’t the only side missing star power with barnstorming second-rower Hudson Young out for the Raiders after rupturing his Achilles in the Green Machine’s 34-24 victory over South Sydney last Saturday.
The in-form Zac Hosking shifts into Young’s role, but whether Canberra will find their energy and inspiration without one of their biggest leaders will be an intriguing watch.
“It hasn’t been a great season to be a Canberra Raider back-rower,” Stuart said.
“We have a number of guys who have that ability to create that energy and the emotion, but that’s up to the individual.
“It’s really important for those guys to take over that little bit of a role in regards to what Hudson delivers to the team, and he does it very well.”
Stuart has left the door ajar for second-rower Matty Nicholson to return from shoulder surgery and centre Sebastian Kris from a hamstring injury, while young gun Owen Pattie is out with suspension.
AAP