‘Not going to do anyone any good’: Gus’ warning over Stuart saga as Ricky rejects Raiders’ offer

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has refused to stand down after his “weak-gutted dog” spray directed at Penrith’s Jaeman Salmon.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - JULY 08: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart looks on before the round 17 NRL match between the Manly Sea Eagles and the Canberra Raiders at 4 Pines Park on July 08, 2021, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images)

Ricky Stuart has reportedly turned down the Raiders’ offer of some time off following his “weak-gutted dog” spray directed at Penrith’s Jaeman Salmon.

Stuart is set to cop a one to two-game ban and a $20,000 fine from the NRL for his comments in the press conference following the Raiders’ loss to the Panthers.

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Raiders CEO Don Furner conceded to Channel 9 on Monday that it’s a “difficult” situation and the club had offered Stuart some time away regardless of what punishment the governing body hands down.

“In all workplaces like ours, people come under stress and no one more so than the head coach,” Furner said.

“We had that discussion last night. Our support will be there for him and if he needs time away we’ll certainly allow him to take that time.”

However, News Corp journalist Dean Ritchie toldSky Sports Radio’s Big Sports Breakfaston Tuesday that he believes Stuart “said no to that (offer) first-up.”

Stuart’s comments came after a journalist asked him about Salmon kicking Tom Starling during the game.

“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well,” he said.

“He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.”

Ricky Stuart has refused time off for the outburst. Photo by Mark Evans/Getty Images

NRL 360 co-host Paul Kent said on Monday said there’s a “personal” reason behind Stuart’s outburst, while Phil Rothfield said it’s “something that’s been boiling away at him for over a decade.”

While there’s a lot of curiosity around what happened to spark such a vicious spray, Channel 9’s Phil Gould told 100% Footy on Monday that it’s best the history is kept private because “it’s not going to be healthy” for anyone.

“Naturally, people will be curious now as to what motivated it and why Ricky snapped the way he did — and he did snap,” Gould said.

“He said (to me), ‘I didn’t know that was going to come out at all’.

“It wasn’t premeditated, but the sheer mention of his name brought back bad memories and all of a sudden the words were out before he could take them back.

“I am way too close to this situation to be making comment publicly about it.

“Whatever the decision of the NRL, naturally people and the media are going to be very curious as to what motivated it, what was the history. Everyone’s going to try to delve for that story.

“And let me tell you — that’s not going to do anyone any good whatsoever.

“So, I would hope that with the NRL decision ... for which Ricky is quite ready and prepared for whatever decision comes — I would like to think that is the end of it and no one else opens their mouth.”

Originally published as ‘Not going to do anyone any good’: Gus’ warning over Stuart saga as Ricky rejects Raiders’ offer