Daniel Nichols – Ricky Stuart Warns Fans To Expect More Floggings…Again

Aug 22, 2014 Daniel Nichols Featured Guest Writers, National Rugby League 0

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Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has this week warned fans of the club to expect similar results until the club is able to attract Origin quality players to the squad.

Isn’t it his job as coach of the side to attract players of said quality?

Isn’t it also his job to turn talented youngsters into Origin quality players?

If I were a Canberra fan I’d be asking the club why a man on a multi-year and multi million dollar contract is deflecting blame, and offering up excuses.

I have no idea how the Canberra membership team are going to attract new fans next season, or even retain the rusted on season ticket holders, after the club’s coach commented that results won’t improve unless recruits are brought in.

Fans are faced with many more floggings just because Origin-level players are not off contract?

Surely Stuart’s efforts should be focused on taking players such as Jack Wighton and Jarrod Croker to that next level in their careers.

Under Stuart, former Origin player Josh Papalii has failed to live up to his form of 2013, while former Origin player Terry Campese has been banished to NSW Cup and has been told to find another club if he wants to play at the top level next year. Tom Learoyd-Lahrs anyone?

For 2015, the Raiders have so far added Melbourne winger Sisa Waqa, as well as English Super League players Josh Hodgson and Iosia Soliola, three handly players, but no one of Origin quality. So can fans of the Raiders write 2015 off before it has even clicked over to the end of 2014?

Raiders fans, are you sick of being told to expect more beltings even though Stuart, once again on a big contract, has been there a year?

Should success come down to the players off contract? Surely Stuart should be able to improve so no doubt talented players within his squad?

Thursday Night Footy Has To Go
Can anyone truly stomach the statement from Channel 9 that said TNF is not just about ratings, and is in the interests of fans?

Sure, it’s great to have only two NRL-less nights a week, but at what cost?

Fans took to social media to mention they had to rush off from work to make kick-off. They then are forced to rush off home to be able to sleep for work tomorrow.

By the looks of the crowd, which was embarrassingly under 10,000 for an all-Sydney clash, it looks as though the large majority of fans didn’t think it was worth all the effort.

Or did I miss the memo for 70,000+ fans to dress as empty chairs?

NRL To Assist Titans?
Is it fair for a side in financial trouble, and under an internal review, to ask the NRL for help to sign a marquee player?

That’s what the ridiculous marquee player system is there for I guess…

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• Broadcasting Deal, Channel 9, Daniel Nichols, Financial Trouble, Guest Writer, Ricky Stuart

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