NRL 2022: Ricky Stuart ban, how will it work, who will coach Raiders in round 22

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been dealt an unprecedented suspension by the NRL for his verbal attack on Jaeman Salmon. Find out how it will work and impact the club.

Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been suspended for one week. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Banned and gagged.

Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has been suspended for one game and personally fined $25,000 for calling Panthers player Jaeman Salmon a “weak-gutted dog” after last Saturday’s game.

In a sensational aftermath to the incident, the NRL has prohibited Stuart from coaching in any capacity for one week – an unprecedented suspension which will conclude next Tuesday.

He cannot train his side or contact any players, coaching staff or officials – either in person or remotely – ahead of Canberra’s vital match against St George Illawarra this Sunday.

Stuart has also been forbidden from attending GIO Stadium — he has essentially been kicked out of rugby league for seven days.

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Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been banned for one game and fined by the NRL for his comments about Jaeman Salmon. Picture: Mark Evans/Getty Images

Given his suspension ends at 4pm next Tuesday – when all NRL sides are announced for the coming round – Stuart will be unable to select Canberra’s side for a round 23 match against Newcastle at McDonald Jones Stadium.

In a direct and strongly-worded statement, the NRL said: “The period of suspension prohibits Stuart from performing any duties as head coach of the Raiders, including attendance at team or individual training or coaching sessions or the Raiders’ facilities.

“Furthermore, he cannot provide instruction or direction to the team, individual players or club officials during the period of suspension including before, during or after any matches within this period.”

The NRL doesn’t have the resources to monitor Stuart or the players but have warned the coach against attempting to contact officials or his stars.

Rather than fine the club, the NRL made a point of fining Stuart personally. He has seven days to respond to the breach notice but Canberra issued its own statement on Tuesday accepting the punishment.

“We have proposed a breach notice (for Stuart) which takes in a personal fine of $25,000 and enforcing a suspension of one week from any coaching or training activities at Canberra, either in person or remotely, including any matchday activities,” NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said.

“These are significant steps and we have taken them because it was completely unacceptable for any person in the game to use language like the language Ricky used. A head coach has made inappropriate comments in a public forum.

NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Ricky Stuart’s comments were “completely unacceptable”. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“Ricky is not allowed to coach or train individuals, or the team in a period of seven days, starting from 4pm (on Tuesday) which means he can’t coach or train the team remotely, or in person. He is unable to contact individuals or the team in relation to training or preparation for the game.

“He won’t be permitted to attend the Canberra Raiders facility or the match on game day. Typically we have fined the club when club officials have breached the rules but on this particular occasion this fine is for Ricky in his personal capacity, which means he has to pay the fine, not the club.”

Abdo did not believe Stuart would attempt to flout the punishment by contacting players or officials.

“Our default position is that everyone understands and accepts the rules and the sanctions imposed. Second of all, if those rules are then breached we will take action but we don’t expect that to be the case here,” Abdo said.

“We have systems and controls in place. We have an integrity unit and salary cap team and I’m confident everyone understands the seriousness of this.

“The Canberra Raiders are a professional outfit and Ricky is himself a professional and very experienced and he understands the gravity of this. It’s very clear what we expect from Ricky and the club over the next seven days.”

While Stuart hasn’t discussed it publicly, it is known that Salmon and two of Stuart’s children had issues when growing up.

Asked whether Salmon and his family would be satisfied with Stuart’s punishment, Abdo said: “I can’t speak on behalf of the player or family. We have reached out to Jaeman to ensure his well-being is intact.”

Penrith issued a statement on Tuesday night claiming the club “fully supports” Stuart’s sanctions.

It read: “Panthers is disappointed by the original comments made by Stuart on Saturday night, and believes that there is no place in the game for such comments.

Assistant coach Brett White, left, will coach the Raiders this week alongside Andrew McFadden and Mick Crawley. Picture: Mark Nolan/Getty Images

“The club does not tolerate verbal abuse towards any member of the Panthers playing squad.

“Jaeman is a highly valued member of the Panthers playing group. Having played every match of the 2022 season, he is an integral player in Ivan Cleary’s side and was influential in the side’s last-start win over Canberra.

“Jaeman’s wellbeing is the club’s priority at this time, and Panthers is ensuring he has a strong support network around him.”

While suspended, Stuart will miss player mobility and massage on Wednesday before training preparations, team meeting, speed, skills, recovery and rehab on Thursday.

The team will have Friday off before 8am testing on Saturday, a 9am team meeting before a 10am captain run. Stuart will miss the game and then be absent from recovery and medicals on Monday.

Canberra players have next Tuesday off before Stuart can return at 4pm. Raiders assistants Brett White, Mick Crawley and Andrew McFadden will take over from Stuart this week.

A Canberra statement read: “The Canberra Raiders and head coach Ricky Stuart recognise and accept the sanction handed down by the NRL, following comments in last weekend’s post-match press conference.

“The Raiders assistant coaches will take charge of the team during this period and for the game on Sunday afternoon.”