The Canberra Raiders board of directors has announced today, that Coach Ricky Stuart will extend his contract as Head Coach of the club until the end of the 2018 season.
Stuart returned to the Raiders as Head Coach at the beginning of the 2014 season, after a playing career spanning from 1988-1998 which included over 200 first grade matches and three premierships.
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Canberra Raiders Chairman, Dr Allan Hawke, said the board’s decision to extend his tenure as Head Coach was based on the hard work and passion he has shown since returning to the club, which spoke volumes for where the club is heading.
“The Raiders board has decided to extend Ricky’s current contract for a further two seasons, based on what we believe is a coaching philosophy which will continue to take our club in a positive direction both on and off the field,” Dr Hawke said. “Ricky has been instrumental in instilling the clubs values of Integrity, Courage, Respect and Professionalism and we know he’s the right person to help us achieve our future goals.”
Raiders Coach Ricky Stuart said being the Coach of the Raiders was a privilege and he was excited about what the club was aiming to achieve in the future.
“There’s a special feeling building around the Raiders and our player program, the Canberra Raiders attitude is about being the best and I’m honoured to be part of that going into 2016,” Stuart said. “I’m not under any illusions about the job and I’m enjoying the challenge.”
Stuart said his close personal ties to the Raiders club and Canberra community gives him a unique opportunity to work in an environment which he can understand the needs and wants of the organisation.
“I have strong ties with the club. My family are all from here, so we understand the culture of the Raiders and the culture of our community. We love Canberra and the Raiders mean home to us.
“The people and the way of life here, it’s the greatest you’ll find anywhere”
Stuart said his number one focus remained best preparing the Raiders for the 2016 season and said the way in which the players were committing was an encouraging sign of where the team was headed.
“I’m fortunate enough to be working with an intensely focused playing group, the best staff and a supportive board,” he said. “I’m proud to be part of it and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”
