Ricky Stuart declares his Raiders players can win the NRL grand final

CANBERRA coach Ricky Stuart has made a stunning declaration his Raiders side can dominate the final two games this season and win the NRL grand final.

CANBERRA coach Ricky Stuart has made a stunning declaration his Raiders will dominate their final two games this season and win the NRL grand final.

In a bold prediction rarely seen these days, Stuart’s comments clearly illustrate the belief he has in his side.

Stuart told his players at the club’s presentation night on Monday: “We’re going to win next week and then we’re going to win the grand final.”

Stuart was unaware media representatives were recording his passionate message.

BRAVO RICKY’S CALL TO ARMS

Stuart didn’t back down from his call to arms. AAP Image/Lukas Coch.

“I’m not showing arrogance or getting ahead of myself but the players need to hear it,” Stuart told The Daily Telegraph on Monday night.

Stuart claimed he simply wanted his side to know they “can win it.”

And few could argue with Stuart’s open and public optimism in a game where most coaches talk in predictable cliches and hide their real feelings.

Canberra will start $3 TAB outsiders in Saturday night’s preliminary final against $1.42 favourites Melbourne at AAMI Park.

Stuart even challenged Melbourne coach Craig Bellamy to use the words to motivate his players.

At the Raiders’ presentation night on Monday, Stuart thought it was a private function and used it to tell the Canberra faithful his high-flying team would go on and secure a historic premiership.

He was however unaware Fox Sports were in the back of the room filming his passionate speech.

When confronted with his words, Stuart refused to back away. In fact, he again reiterated his enormous confidence in the Raiders.

“I thought it was a private function but I won’t be backing down today,” Stuart said.

“We have the team to win the grand final and I have told the players that. I want the players to know my thoughts and I won’t be shying away from them. I believe in my comments and my players.

“I told the players three months ago we can win the grand final. That is what I think can happen. We are now just two games from achieving that.

“I’m not showing arrogance or getting ahead of myself but the players need to hear it. We share the same beliefs and have a common bond. I will always support my players. It will be difficult to win it but I won’t hide from what I said on (presentation) night.”

Stuart didn’t seem bothered that Bellamy and the Storm players would read his strong quotes.

Raiders halves Blake Austin and Aidan Sezer hope to go all the way in 2016. Picture: Kym Smith

“I hope Craig uses my comments as motivation for his boys. I know I will be using the comments too,” he said.

“I stand by the comments whatever happens. It’s been a great season and we want to go one further. I want the players to know my thoughts and I won’t be shying away from them. I believe in my comments and my players.

“We are facing our biggest challenge and toughest game of the year this Saturday night. This game is our sole focus.”

Stuart almost broke down several times during his speech on presentation night. He has developed a robust and special bond with his side. The Raiders coach has guided a side many thought would miss the finals to a grand final qualifier.

Canberra has become the sentimental pick for NRL fans, according to a Daily Telegraph online poll.

“They look a happy side who are all together,” said former Canberra grand final-winning skipper Mal Meninga.

Stuart has shown great faith in his players. Pic: Mark Evans.

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