The Better Half with Kaylie Stuart: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart’s weirdest superstition revealed

Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield sits down with Kaylie Stuart, the wife of Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, to talk about the rugby league legend’s weirdest superstition and beating him at golf.

Ricky Stuart and his wife Kaylie at the 2018 NRL Hall of Fame Induction. Picture: Brett Costello

Phil ‘Buzz’ Rothfield sits down with Kaylie Stuart, the wife of Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, to talk about the rugby league legend’s weirdest superstition and beating him at golf.

Where did you guys first meet and how did he propose?

I met some girlfriends for lunch at the ACT Leagues Club — I ordered a drink at the bar and locked eyes with a guy on the other side! Ironically that club was demolished six years ago and Raiders headquarters was built on that site. He proposed at the iconic Canberra Hyatt Hotel over dinner a few years later.

What present did you buy for his last birthday? And what did he buy you?

He did very well and bought me a Scotty Cameron putter for my golf! He likes a good knife so I got him the old-fashioned Wiltshire Staysharp — and he loves it!

What would Ricky be suited to if he wasn’t an NRL coach?

I’m sure he was born to do what he’s doing — in our entire 28 years of marriage I’ve never heard him sleep talk about anything other than football! And he does it a lot!

Kaylie and Ricky Stuart. Credit: Supplied.

Ricky and Kaylie Stuart married in 1997.

Does he bring his intensity home. Like, do you catch him shouting at the dishwasher to “finish strong”.

Not so much at the dishwasher — I do have a few broken dining chairs though! (laughing).

OK, what’s his mood like after a loss/bad day at work?

You’ve seen the press conferences!

Is it true you beat him at golf?

I hate to gloat — but yes, mostly! My aim is to get my handicap lower than his. I think I’m on track.

OK, what’s his weirdest superstition?

Oh it has to be the haircut before every game! Really? He hasn’t got that much — let it grow!

What chores does he do around the house? Like, can he cook?

He does cook a very mean steak — even the players will agree with me on this one. He’s pretty good at seafood as well. When it comes to chores, he reckons he’s got two very capable sons!

And finally, what’s his nicest attribute?

He’s a loyal bugger, and he cares a lot! His family means the world to him — but a very close second are his players and his mates. And he’s got a lot of very good mates. I’ve told him I’ll never throw him a surprise party because I don’t think I’d find a venue big enough.

Originally published as The Better Half with Kaylie Stuart: Raiders coach Ricky Stuart’s weirdest superstition revealed