Rugby league legend Ricky Stuart shares ‘vivid’ memory of Canberra Raiders maiden premiership in 1989
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart reflects on the NRL’s greatest grand final of all time and says it’s the NSW Blues’ turn to usher in a new era of longevity. He also opens up about his daughter Emma, who has autism, and how a smart pup is helping her achieve independence.
- AFP officer to plead not guilty to child sex offences
- Ivy Woden targetting female buyers
- Coles coming soon to Dickson
- Spike in Gungahlin crime
Sitting with wife Kaylie enjoying an afternoon cuppa, Ricky Stuart reflects on playing in NRL’s greatest grand final in 1989 when the Canberra Raiders pulled off a major upset against Balmain.
It’s been thirty years but Stuart still has a “vivid” memory of the game.
“When my wife isn’t around, I say it’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me but when she’s around I say it’s the second best,” he quips.
“That was just a magical story, nobody expected us to win or knew who we were and the way we played and won put the Raiders on the map.
“Balmain was leading 12-2 at half time and they were favourites, we were very much the unknowns and the underdogs but we came back and had a fairytale finish.”
A Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame gala dinner at the National Convention Centre on July 19 will coincide with that maiden premiership in 1989, which ushered in a golden era for the club that saw the “Green Machine” go onto win the flag in 1990 and 1994.
Stuart played a pivotal role in those victories and is still a legend of the game as head coach of the Raiders.
Off the rugby field, he seems just as devoted as a husband to Kaylie and father to his daughter Emma, who has autism and is the inspiration behind the Ricky Stuart Foundation.
When The Canberra Star pays the family a visit at Emma’s new independent living unit in Pearce, the 22-year-old is settling in nicely thanks to her new best friend Cosmo, a very special golden retriever from Smart Pups.
The not-for-profit charity provides assistance dogs to people with special needs to improve their independence, emotional wellbeing and quality of life.
“I have no doubt this independent living would not have worked without Cosmo,” Kaylie said.
“It’s early days but she’s been really calm and it just gives us peace of mind knowing he’s her constant companion.
“Before when she was home with me, we were pretty much housebound because her behaviours out in public are unpredictable and she’d have big meltdowns and I wouldn’t take her out on her own.
“I’d like to see Smart Pups get some government funding because they’ve made such a big impact on so many people’s lives.”
The new set-up has given Emma the freedom to live her life just like any other young woman but will also allow Kaylie to pursue hobbies that have taken a back seat over the years like playing golf, getting to the gym, watching her sons play rugby and going to watch the Canberra Raiders in action.
Providing independent living for people with autism is a long-term strategy of the Foundation, which is currently focusing on plans for a new facility catering to adults with all disabilities in Queanbeyan.
Stuart said they are two to three weeks away from presenting a feasibility study to Monaro MP John Barilaro who has been a big driver of the project.
The Foundation has already made huge inroads in raising awareness around autism and providing support to families through its respite houses in Chifley and Cook.
But Stuart says it’s a “drop in the ocean” compared to the demand for these services.
“You’re overwhelmed by the joy of the families, but the joy sometimes gets overridden by the fact that more people can’t be assisted,” he said.
“However as a foundation I believe we’ve probably exceeded what we initially thought we could achieve.”
Coming off the back of the NSW’s State of Origin victory on Wednesday night, the former Blues coach said NSW was tracking well to put a stop to Queensland’s dominance in the series over the past 13 years.
“With three or four boys retired from the Queensland team who will go down as greats of the game, it’s our turn to start creating that era of longevity and success,” he said.
“We’ve got the right bloke at the helm in regards to Brad Fittler, he’s very passionate and he’s doing a great job.”
And will the Canberra Raiders be able to recreate those glory days of the late ‘80s and early ‘90’s?
“We are still building and I’ve got a strong belief in the playing squad we’ve got.
“They’re very committed and still growing as a football team and if we can keep improving and growing the way we have in the last 14 weeks, we just need to be there at the end of the season to be in the fight.”
The team are ready for a “tough run” against the St. George Illawarra Dragons on Sunday.
“A lot of the boys are a bit disgruntled by the way we performed last game so we’ve had a good preparation and it’s important we play St George with a more positive outlook with what we’ve just displayed against the Eels.”
The next “big stepping stone” for the Raiders will be to enter a women’s team in the NRL Women’s Premiership.
The club’s $19 million high performance centre in Braddon is due to be completed by the end of the year and will accommodate the club’s growing ranks of female players.
“The growth in women’s sport is just enormous and we’re making sure we have the right facility to support the women and the young girls coming through which is really important for the growth of the club and the whole business overall.”
Stuart sees junior development as crucial and still remembers the day he took a letter home seeking permission from his parents, Les and Jackie, to play under sevens when he was just four years old and still in kindergarten.
Les was a league player himself, coached Stuart and brother Jamie and was president of the Queanbeyan Blues.
Stuart was brought up with both codes of rugby and remembers being ball boy for Les and his uncle at Captains Flat, Braidwood and Lakes United.
“We were one of those families who went to watch the Raiders from 1982, we watched all the games at home at Seiffert Oval and then I was fortunate enough to start my league career playing with them.”
His first ever game was for St. Benedict’s Primary School in Narrabundah.
“I was hooked on playing footy, it’s all I ever wanted to do and I’ve been very fortunate to have spent my life in the game in some capacity.”
For more information on the Canberra Raiders Hall of Fame gala dinner and to buy tickets, go online: raiders.com.au/about/hall-of-fame.
The hidden AFL gems from the South Coast leagues of NSW
They’re the hidden country footy gems from the South Coast regions of NSW. Here’s 30+ of the best from the three major competitions.
Leeton doctor charged with historical sexual assault
A bush doctor, who is accused of a historical sexual assault with a patient, has been granted bail ahead of his first court appearance. Here’s the latest.