‘Think we’re trying to lose’: Ricky Stuart rages over question as Raiders booed off by own fans

Canberra fans have left their true feelings be felt after a third straight home game horror show on Friday night against the Cowboys.

The Canberra Raiders have been booed off at halftime by their own fans after a falling 22-0 behind at the break.

Coming off the bye, the Raiders looked lethargic rather than refreshed and completely missed the jump in the match, eventually losing 34-16 to the Cowboys in Canberra.

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After conceding four tries to none to a Cowboys side that was demolished by the Warriors last week, the home fans appeared to have had enough, unleashing a torrent of boos.

The Raiders were probably lucky it was the 6pm Friday game as only 9,671 fans attended the match.

It’s also not like the Raiders didn’t have chances either, having been denied three times by desperate defence from the Cowboys.

While there was some speculation online that it was referee Chris Sutton copping the spray, the Fox League commentators believed it was the side’s horror performance that caused the abuse.

“The crowd is letting their team know they’re not happy,” Dan Ginnane said. “It’s been another poor performance at home from the Raiders.”

Josh Papali'i at halftime. Photo: Fox Sports

The result is the Raiders third straight loss at GIO Stadium, going alongside their 40-0 loss to the Sharks in round 8 and 44-16 thrashing at the hands of the Roosters in round 12.

While the commentators were fearing for the Raiders players as coach Ricky Stuart did not appear happy in the coach’s box, sideline reporter Jake Duke said it wasn’t as hairy as it could have been.

“A composed and simple message from Ricky Stuart at halftime considering the scoreline,” Duke said. “He just wants his team to get back to basics, finish sets down the Cowboys end, tackle hard and stop giving away penalties and piggybacking the Cowboys out of their own end.”

In his post-match press conference, Stuart agreed that discipline in the first half was what cost his side.

“It was the first thing I spoke about at halftime,” Stuart said.

“I’ve already spoken to the individual individuals in regards to the ill discipline at halftime.”

But Stuart was far from happy, calling out the referees after hooker Danny Levi was called off-side in the third minute, but said the Cowboys gave away four six-agains on their goal line.

“I don’t know what constitutes a player to get binned,” he added.

Asked about the three losses in their last three home games, Stuart hit back: “What do you think we’re trying? You think we’re trying to lose at home?”

The reporter replied: “I don’t think so.”

“No,” Stuart said. “We’re trying to everything to win at home.”

Ricky Stuart wasn't thrilled. Photo: Fox Sports

Stuart was asked about the reaction of the fans, saying: “I’m not out there with the fans at halftime.”

Captain Elliott Whitehead said: “I feel sorry for the fans that turn up when we put in performances like that. Feels like we’re saving our worst games for home. But we have to turn that around and make that a fortress again.”

To be fair on the Raiders, the second half was much better as the green machine even won the second 40 minutes.

But the damage was already done.

Raiders fans were not happy with the performance.

“It was the first half that killed us. We made a much better showing in the second half but it was too little too late,” one fan wrote.

“To put the Raiders loss in perspective it’s more embarrassing than any losses the Tigers have suffered this season!” another suggested.

A third posted: “Playing like we need a bye. You wouldn’t think we’re a team coming off a bye. This is disgusting.”

Another fan commented: “Honestly, Raiders have forgotten to even show up.”

Originally published as ‘Think we’re trying to lose’: Ricky Stuart rages over question as Raiders booed off by own fans