BOMBSHELL ANNOUNCEMENT: Canberra raiders fans React shock as The Head coach Ricky Stuart officially files divorce with his wife Kaylie Stuart and explain his decision….see more
In a stunning revelation that has sent shockwaves through the NRL community and the city of Canberra, long-time Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart has officially filed for divorce from his wife, Kaylie Stuart, ending decades of marriage that many fans saw as one of the most enduring partnerships in Australian sport.
According to multiple sources close to the couple, the decision was finalized late last week and publicly confirmed by Stuart in a statement released earlier today. The announcement comes at a time when the Raiders are navigating a critical phase both on and off the field — intensifying the emotional impact of the news on fans and players alike.
🟢 Ricky Stuart Breaks His Silence
In his statement, the veteran coach opened up about the deeply personal reasons behind the split, calling it “one of the hardest decisions” of his life.
> “This isn’t about anger or blame,” Stuart said. “Kaylie and I have shared an incredible journey together — full of memories, challenges, and love. But after a long period of reflection, we both realized that we’ve grown apart in ways that can’t be fixed by time or distance. My focus now is on my family’s well-being and the players who rely on me every day.”
Stuart, known for his fiery passion on the sideline and fierce loyalty to his players, appeared visibly emotional when addressing reporters. He emphasized that the decision was mutual and based on “respect and honesty,” not conflict.
> “It’s not easy when your private life becomes public,” he continued. “But I’ve always believed in facing things head-on — on the field and off it. Kaylie has been my biggest supporter, and that will never change.”
💔 Fans React with Emotion and Support
The Canberra Raiders’ fan base, known for its tight-knit community and unwavering loyalty, reacted with a mix of shock, sadness, and empathy.
Social media quickly filled with messages of support for both Ricky and Kaylie, with hashtags like #StayStrongRicky and #GreenMachineFamily trending across X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
One fan wrote:
> “Ricky has given everything to this club and this city. No one deserves judgment right now — just love and respect.”
Another added:
> “We stand with you, Sticky. Life throws tough tackles sometimes. The Raiders family has your back.”
While some expressed concern about how the emotional turmoil might affect the team’s performance, others pointed out that Stuart has weathered personal and professional storms before — and always found a way to lead his squad forward.
🏉 Balancing Family and Football
Ricky Stuart has never hidden the fact that football takes a toll on family life. In interviews over the years, he’s spoken candidly about the pressures of coaching — long hours, constant scrutiny, and the emotional highs and lows of the NRL season.
Close friends say that despite the challenges, Stuart and Kaylie had remained united through it all — raising their children and supporting various community initiatives, including the Ricky Stuart Foundation, which advocates for autism awareness and support programs.
A close family friend told reporters:
> “They’ve been through everything together. This decision wasn’t made overnight. It’s been a long time coming, and both of them handled it with incredible dignity.”
🟩 Impact on the Raiders and the NRL
For the Raiders organization, the news lands during a delicate time. The club is in the middle of planning for the upcoming season, with player signings, leadership restructuring, and off-season training all underway.
Team insiders say Stuart has remained fully committed to his coaching responsibilities and has made it clear to management that “personal issues will not interfere with professional duties.”
A Raiders spokesperson released a brief statement:
> “Ricky Stuart has our full support. He remains the heart and soul of this club, and we respect his privacy during this personal matter.”
NRL officials also expressed solidarity, noting Stuart’s long-standing contributions to the sport as both a coach and former player.
🗣️ What’s Next for Ricky Stuart?
As speculation grows about how this will affect his career and public image, those close to Stuart insist that his focus will not waver.
He is expected to return to training this week as the Raiders prepare for their pre-season schedule. Reports suggest that he’s also taking extra time to be with his children and family, ensuring they remain supported through the transition.
> “I’ve always believed in resilience — in life and in sport,” Stuart said in closing. “You don’t quit when things get hard. You regroup, refocus, and move forward.”
💬 The Bigger Picture
This revelation serves as a reminder that even public figures, admired for their strength and leadership, face deeply human challenges. For Ricky Stuart — a man whose identity has long been tied to passion, intensity, and family values — the news marks both an ending and a new beginning.
Fans and peers alike are rallying behind him, echoing the same sentiment that defines the
Canberra Raiders spirit: loyalty, respect, and resilience.
As one fan poignantly summed it up: