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Stuart hands out the silent treatment after Raiders loss to Broncos
By Jon Tuxworth
The Canberra Raiders face a big fine from the NRL after coach Ricky Stuart abruptly halted his post-game press conference after just 25 seconds after Saturday's 24-12 loss to Brisbane.
Frustrated at some perceived poor calls from the referees, Stuart answered one question before walking out.
In what must be the shortest post-match press conference in history, Stuart was asked: "Ricky it was just one of those games ..."
He used only 68 words in his reply.
Jack Wighton tries to fend off Brisbane's Alex Glenn.Credit: Matt Bedford
"No it wasn't one of those games mate. [NRL head of football] Toddy Greenberg, he was at the game tonight and I just really hope he saw what I saw," Stuart said.
"It's a lot healthier for our club if we don't go any further into this press conference. I have respect for all the media, it's got nothing to do with you, but it's just a lot healthier if I don't continue. Thanks."
Stuart and Raiders skipper Jarrod Croker then walked out, and the media was prevented from speaking to players afterward.
The Raiders lost the penalty count 8-5 and copped some questionable calls, but Stuart's display is likely to attract the ire of the NRL hierarchy.
Canberra fans booed referees Gavin Badger and Chris Sutton off the ground after the match.
The NRL introduced a strict edict that criticism of referees is off-limits this year, and Stuart is probably gun shy after being fined a number of times for doing so in the past.
The Raiders feel they regularly cop a raw deal from officials, and Stuart spoke with referees boss Tony Archer after he admitted a strip on Raider Paul Vaughan which went unpenalised in last week's loss to Canterbury led to a Bulldogs try.
That said, the Raiders players should take much of the blame. They executed poorly in attack and their edge defence was again exposed in yet another slow start.
Stuart's conference will dominate the aftermath after Canberra dropped a third-straight match to slump to 5-7 for the season.
They have also lost five of six games at home, and must win at Newcastle next week to keep in touch with the top eight.
Canberra trailed 12-0 early and it could have been much more had the Broncos not ruined a glut of scoring opportunities with simple errors.
The result ensured former Raider Anthony Milford's return to Canberra for the first time was a happy one. The five-eighth was menacing throughout without delivering any fatal blows, but the Raiders contributed to their downfall.
Brisbane leapt to an early 12-0 lead through tries to Jack Reed and Jordan Kahu.
Canberra levelled at 12-all with tries to Blake Austin and Jarrad Kennedy, after 28 minutes, but the highest-scoring offence in the NRL couldn't score another point as the Broncos leapt to the top of the ladder.
Milford and halfback Ben Hunt, who racked up three try assists, controlled things well in the second half for Brisbane as Canberra threatened another trademark comeback. However some poor execution in Brisbane's danger zone cost it dearly.
The Raiders (5-7) have now lost five of six games at home and desperately need a win at Newcastle next week to keep in touch with the top eight.
Canberra had a number of chances early in the second half, but they are quickly learning that playing catch-up in the NRL will eventually catch up with you.
Corey Oates scored for Brisbane midway through the second half to give his side breathing space, and Brisbane's highly rated defence repelled Canberra in the dying stages.
Even without Queensland Origin stars Sam Thaiday and Justin Hodges, the Broncos were too clinical for Canberra.
"They got the job done. It was difficult for them - we played Monday night in Newcastle, Origin, we weren't even home for two days and we were back on the road again," Broncos coach Wayne Bennett said.
"Our scrambling defence was great tonight."
Brisbane prop Josh McGuire was outstanding after his fine debut for the Maroons on Wednesday, while Shaun Fensom led the way for the Raiders.
BRISBANE BRONCOS 24 (Jack Reed, Jordan Kahu, Lachlan Maranta, Corey Oates tries; Corey Parker 4 goals) bt CANBERRA RAIDERS 12 (Blake Austin, Jarrad Kennedy tries; Jarrod Croker 2 goals) at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night. Referees: Gavin Badger and Chris Sutton. Crowd: 10,090.