‘They’re just guessing’: Ricky slams refs after Raiders’ third straight loss

The most fined coach in NRL history could find himself once again in hot water after another attack on the referees.

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart. Getty

The most fined coach in NRL history could find himself once again in hot water after slamming the referees following his side’s third straight loss.

Frustrated Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has accused the referees of “guessing” during his side’s 16-6 loss to the Storm on Saturday night.

Canberra were on the wrong side of the penalty count (5-4) and six agains (6-4) as they fell foul of referee Grant Atkins’ whistle.

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Raiders skipper Elliott Whitehead was asked his thoughts on the officiating and he gave a diplomatic answer.

Stuart was then asked another question and instead of responding to it he chose to answer the previous question addressed to Whitehead.

“To answer your question (points at journalist), we were on the wrong side of the guessing game again,” Stuart said.

“They’re just guessing mate. Those six agains, they’re just guessing - ‘I’ll give one away here, I’ll give one away there’.”

Canberra have dropped to 12th on the ladder and next face the Knights, Warriors and Rabbitohs.

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart. Getty

Stuart was also asked why he reshuffled his spine, with Adam Cook playing in the halves and Kaeo Weekes at fullback.

“You’ve seen our last two performances, something had to give. I can’t just sit on my hands,” he said.

“I’ve got to make changes to try and spark revival and that was there tonight but we were just poor with the ball.”

Weekes was under siege all night in his move to fullback.

The 22-year-old had a mixed game with a highlight reel try and 207 run metres to go with three errors.

“When you turn so much football over in your end of the footy field, you’re going to have more kicks to defend and it was tough conditions for the back three tonight,” Stuart said.

“Kaeo is a very very good football player.”

Stuart was shattered for debutant forward Jordan Martin, who’s first game in the NRL lasted just five minutes after a head knock.

“Poor bugger, I feel sorry for him,” Stuart said.

“All the boys were that excited for him that he was going to get his opportunity.

“He’s a real team man, he’s a great young kid who has so much respect from the boys and the staff.

“It’s disappointing for him, but he’ll get another crack at some stage.”

- with NCA Newswire

Originally published as ‘They’re just guessing’: Ricky slams refs after Raiders’ third straight loss