Breaking: in a heartfelt and emotional statement early today Canberra raiders manager Mark Vergano, who spoke about the retirement of Ricky Stuart few minutes ago ……..
The Canberra Raiders were struck with a wave of emotion this morning as the club’s manager, Mark Vergano, officially announced the retirement of legendary head coach Ricky Stuart. The news, delivered in a heartfelt statement, marks the end of an era for both the Raiders and the National Rugby League (NRL). Fans, players, and the wider rugby league community are now reflecting on the remarkable contributions of a man whose influence went far beyond the playing field.
Speaking early today, Vergano struggled to hold back tears as he revealed Stuart’s decision. “Ricky Stuart is more than a coach,” he said. “He is family. He has been the heart and soul of this club for so many years. His passion, his honesty, and his resilience have shaped not only the Raiders but also the culture of rugby league in Canberra. Today is not just the end of a coaching journey—it’s the end of a chapter in our history.
According to Vergano, Stuart had discussed the possibility of stepping down over recent months, but the final decision was only made official this week. The 57-year-old cited the need to prioritize family, personal wellbeing, and a desire to move away from the relentless demands of top-level coaching.
For Raiders fans, Stuart has always been more than a coach—he is a homegrown hero. A former premiership-winning halfback, Stuart played a pivotal role in Canberra’s golden era during the late 1980s and early 1990s. His sharp kicking game, vision, and competitive spirit helped the Raiders to secure three premierships, cementing their status as one of the dominant forces of that era.
When Stuart returned as coach in 2014, it felt like a homecoming. Many saw it as destiny for one of the club’s greatest sons to lead the team again. Over the next decade, Stuart rebuilt the Raiders with grit and determination. His most celebrated achievement as coach came in 2019, when he guided Canberra to their first NRL Grand Final in 25 years. Although the Raiders narrowly lost to the Sydney Roosters, Stuart’s leadership reignited belief within the club and its passionate fan base.
Stuart was known for his fiery personality and his emotional connection to the game. He often defended his players with fierce loyalty and never shied away from speaking his mind. This authenticity made him a beloved figure among Raiders fans, who admired his willingness to fight for his team, even in the face of controversy.
Vergano highlighted this trait in his announcement: “Ricky coached with his heart on his sleeve. You always knew he was giving everything—whether it was on the training ground, in the coaches’ box, or speaking to the media. That raw passion was something unique, and it made the players believe in him.
Stuart’s influence extended far beyond match day. He played a major role in developing young talent, mentoring future stars, and instilling a culture of hard work and loyalty. Many of the Raiders’ current leaders credit Stuart with shaping their careers, both as athletes and as people.
Off the field, Stuart also contributed to the wider community. Through the Ricky Stuart Foundation, he worked tirelessly to support families and children with autism, inspired by his own daughter’s journey. His charitable work has been widely praised and will remain an important part of his legacy.
With Stuart’s retirement now official, attention inevitably turns to who will succeed him as head coach. The Raiders face the challenge of transitioning into a new era while preserving the foundations Stuart has laid over the past decade. Names such as Josh Hannay and Jason Ryles are already being floated as possible candidates, but the club has confirmed no decision will be rushed.
Vergano assured fans that the club’s identity and future will remain strong. “Ricky’s departure is a huge moment, but it’s also an opportunity for renewal. The values he built here—loyalty, hard work, and resilience—will continue to guide us moving forward.
Already, tributes have poured in from across the NRL. Fellow coaches, players, and even rival clubs have expressed admiration for Stuart’s career. Former teammates, including Mal Meninga and Laurie Daley, have spoken about his fierce competitiveness and his enduring love for the Raiders. Fans have taken to social media, with many calling Stuart the greatest Raider of all time.
As Canberra prepares to celebrate Stuart’s career with a tribute event in the coming weeks, the emotion of today’s announcement will continue to linger. For the fans in the stands and the players in the locker room, Ricky Stuart represented everything the green jersey stands for—loyalty, fight, and pride.
Vergano closed his statement with words that summed up the moment perfectly: “Legends never truly leave us. Ricky Stuart may no longer stand on the sidelines, but his spirit will always be with this club. His influence will echo through the Raiders for generations.
For the Canberra Raiders, it is indeed the end of an era. But for Ricky Stuart, it is the beginning of a well-earned next chapter—one filled with family, reflection, and the gratitude of a rugby league world that will never forget him.