Official Ricky Stuart

[Google News]

... There are also rumours Cronulla coach Stuart Raper's position is under review but Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce said: "We are currently completing our ...

Source: http://www.news.com.au/dailytelegraph/story/0,22049,20268882-5001023,00.html

Ricky Stuart ready to walk
By Steve Mascord, Dean Ritchie and James Hooper
August 28, 2006

COACH Ricky Stuart feels so betrayed by attempts from within Sydney Roosters to axe him that he may quit the club anyway.

Stuart was making no comment yesterday after the Roosters crashed 42-16 to the Warriors in a game the players went into unaware of Sunday Telegraph reports that a club review may result in their coach's contract being paid out at the end of this season.

"Ricky hasn't spoken to me about it personally - I know he's disappointed," said assistant coach Shane Flanagan, who was sent to yesterday's post-match media conference in Stuart's place.

"But that's out of our control, it's out of Ricky's control. We've just got to do our job.

"That's Ricky's approach."

It's understood Stuart was already aware some members of the club's management were attempting to axe him.

And after leading the Tri-colours to grand finals in 2002, 2003 and 2004, he has told friends he is hurt about the Roosters' attitude and feels betrayed - so much so that even if they perform an about-face he may leave anyway.

Stuart first found out on Tuesday about moves to dump him and feels the club has turned on him.

Those close to him feel one influential man at the club is behind the push.

Contacted yesterday, Roosters chairman Nick Politis was asked when the board's review of football operations would be complete.

"Next year, next month, whenever," he said. "We have a board meeting on the last Wednesday of every month but that has nothing to do with this."

But the millionaire president declined to go into any more detail.

"If it's about all this Ricky Stuart stuff, I went through that yesterday," he said.

Brad Fittler, who has been tipped to take over from the former Australia Test halfback, said no one had approached him about the head coaching position and he wasn't interested anyway.

"My role at the Roosters is as an assistant coach and I also assist in marketing," he said. "I'm naturally aware of what everyone has read in the paper ... I am happy in my role. I don't think you'll see me coaching."

Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan told The Daily Telegraph at Mt Smart Stadium yesterday: "All I know is that there is a review. That's being handled by the board.

"We've had two disappointing seasons and the review is of the football program which includes all staff and all aspects.

"It happens every year. The board do it in their own time.

"Everything's under review. That's all I can say."

On Channel 9 yesterday, former Roosters coach Phil Gould denied any knowledge of moves to reinstall him as coaching director.

There are also rumours Sharks coach Stuart Raper's position is under review but Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce said: "We are currently completing our performance review.

"Stuart (Raper) has a contract here for 2007 - Ricky being available wouldn't change anything from our end."

Rumours about a push to oust Stuart first surfaced back in June, with Gould leading a ticket to have Fittler anointed as his most likely successor.

But only weeks after the move gained momentum, Politis publicly declared Stuart had earned the right to continue at the helm of the Bondi Junction outfit next season.

Having steered the Roosters to a premiership and three grand finals, Politis reasoned Stuart was entitled to see out the final year of his contract in 2007 despite the glamour club missing the semi-finals for the past two seasons.

But the Roosters supremo has since altered his stance, telling The Sunday Telegraph all senior roles at the club were under review.

 

[fancyman]

Don't bring Ricky to the Shire

dont bring ricky to the shire, he aint a coach, graeme murry made that team that won the comp ricky has run that team into the ground.
he will do the same with us. please no ricky

 

[Hammerhead]

yeah been thinking about that one. his bad run over past two years suggets he can only win comps when he's got a star studded team. he'd never cope at cronulla. i'm just waiting for lam to jump ship and head for the roosters.

 

[Gummyshark]

You blokes are joking.
An successful ex State of Origin coach, the current Australian coach and three grand finals in five years at the Roosters, and you don't want him ? Why ? We all talk of changes that need to be made, and we have a perfect opportunity to appoint a coach with guts to make harsh decisions, and you don't want him. Will he turn our club aroung ? You bet he will. This is perfect timing and tomorrow night at the board meeting, every board member after agreeing to sack the current coach, should raise their hands to appoint Ricky Stuart. We can't let an opportunity like this pass us by.

 

[Yahoo News]

Anderson looms as Stuart's replacement

Former New Zealand Warriors coach Daniel Anderson is looming as the man most likely to coach the Sydney Roosters next season after the NRL club dumped Ricky Stuart from the post on Monday.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/Sport/Anderson-looms-as-Stuarts-replacement/2006/08/28/1156617267015.html

Anderson looms as Stuart's replacement
August 28, 2006 - 6:24PM

Former New Zealand Warriors coach Daniel Anderson is looming as the man most likely to coach the Sydney Roosters next season after the NRL club dumped Ricky Stuart from the post on Monday.

Stuart was under growing pressure to retain his position after the Roosters won just eight of 23 games so far this season to miss the semi-finals for the second consecutive year.

Stuart's manager John Fordham met with Roosters chairman Nick Politis on Monday afternoon "in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable solution", a club statement said.

"It's not a sacking or any of that stuff at all, it's an agreement reached between two parties," Fordham said on Monday.

"It's all in the (press) release, I'm about to have a beer with Ricky."

The Australian Test coach will be moving on after Saturday's clash against St George Illawarra at the SCG, with the final year of his contract to be paid out in full.

"Considering the circumstances, it was in the best interests of both parties to bring an end to this debate that was causing a lot of damage," Stuart said in the statement.

"In saying that, let me make it clear that this is indeed one of the saddest days in my football career although I feel I can leave the Roosters with my head held high as we - the players, the coaching staff and the club itself - have achieved a high degree of success in the past five years.

"Although the last two years, in particular, have been very difficult for reasons that are fairly well known, there has never been a drop-off in the desire and professionalism of the players and the coaching staff to achieve success.

"The Roosters are in a rebuilding phase with lots of promising but inexperienced young players who are willing to put up their hands up and provide the platform for a more competitive club as they reach player maturity."

"Like everyone, I'm surprised," hooker Craig Wing said on Monday night.

"I was just out the door from training and one of the guys picked up the phone and said '****, look what's happened'.

"It's all a bit of a shock."

Stuart guided the Roosters to three successive grand finals, including a premiership in his first year in charge in 2002, but chief executive Brian Canavan confirmed the board was ready for a "new direction".

"It's a sad day for Ricky in particular, obviously it's a sad day for the club," chief executive Brian Canavan said.

"He's a very proud man, he sets himself very high standards.

"So it was decided in the best interests of both parties that we move on at the end of the season.

"But our board just decided that we needed a new direction as they say, and that's what we're doing at the end of this year."

Anderson, who coached Super League side St Helens to a Challenge Cup victory over Huddersfield on the weekend, is favourite to take over Stuart's role.

However, assistant Shane Flanagan told AAP he wanted the top job.

"I've done my time, I'd like to have a shot at it," he said.

"I've had seven years coaching lower grades, I've coached a couple of sides that have won the premiership in Flegg and in reserve grade.

"I've coached under Brian Smith for a few years and then under Ricky.

"What else can I do?"

Flanagan said he wasn't surprised by the developments.

"This has been brewing for the last two or three weeks so I'm not surprised," he said.

"I'm disappointed for him because he's a good coach and a good mate of mine.

"He didn't want to go, that wasn't the case at all.

"The chairman and the board decided it wasn't working and the club needed a change for its 100th year."

There had been speculation coaching assistant Brad Fittler and former NSW coach Phil Gould would combine to take over the reins, but Politis said that was unlikely.

"I don't think they've got it right with regards to Gus and Freddy," Politis told AAP.

"He's got a pretty expensive contract with (Channel) Nine, so I don't know if he would have time to coach anyway, even if somebody wanted him to coach."

Other likely contenders for the job include Penrith mentor John Lang and Sharks lower grade coach Adrian Lam.

"I'm sick of being linked with this or that," Lang said.

"You can throw me in the mix or in the bin - you can do what you like with me."

Already, there is speculation Stuart could take over at Cronulla next season, although Sharks CEO Greg Pierce indicated Stuart Raper was likely to retain the job.

"At this stage we haven't even given that a second thought, and it's not my decision anyway," he said.

The Sharks have slated that a review of all staff and business practices will commence this week.

 

[veryhappyshark]

gummy u have displayed a very good point and i have just now changed my stand on the issue

we need change and the australian, ex nsw and 3/5 grand final coach wouldnt be a bad start. he would drop kimmorley for a start and could bring some good juniors through the ranks

i say lets get ricky and give him a another chance at glory to win the premiership for cronulla to prove his critics wrong!!

 

[db72]

One stuart out and another in.... I'd like to see that! Only problem is I dont think many players like him so he might not attract new people to the club...

 

[Sharky Boy]

i did think raper should have another year,but i'm also not so sure anymore. This is a great opportunity to sign a proven, high profile coach and i'm sure he's desperate to show them ******* rooster fans he's still a premiership winning coach. And no better way to do that than with a maiden title at mighty Cronulla. YEE HA!:

 

[Megashark]

So you think the sharkies have been bad during the last nine weeks? Well i think that as well, but I went to see ricky's roosters play on the weekend, and they were shocking! Talk about a bunch of headless chooks, they were clueless...so do we want ricky at Cronulla? I am yet to be convinced...

 

[Google News]

Politics may have influenced Politis, but bald statistics sealed ...

... Attack-wise, their completion rate (70.1 per cent) is the NRL's second-worst ... named Stuart, given the "review" of Stuart Raper recently announced by Cronulla. ...

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/politics-may-have-influenced-politis-but-bald-statistics-sealedstuarts-fate/2006/08/28/1156617274417.html

Politics may have influenced Politis, but bald statistics sealed Stuart's fate
Roy Masters
August 29, 2006

RICKY Stuart knew last week his time at the Roosters was up. Chairman Nick Politis met the coach last week and told him he was considering making a change. Stuart was informed he would be paid every cent of his 2007 contract.

Politis also made it clear Stuart faces a continuing conflict of interest while leading player manager John Fordham acts both for him and his players.

Fordham has not been forgiven for his attack on the club for not renewing the contract of another of his clients, Ryan Cross, who is heading to the Western Force. Cross's vacillation in accepting a Roosters offer was perceived as a standard Fordham ploy by Politis, who called his bluff - with Stuart's acquiescence. However, as much as the board admires Stuart's work ethic, his time as coach at Bondi Junction has passed because of some damning statistics:

The Roosters have not won two successive games this season. The last time this happened was 1966, when the club did not win a single match.

They have not beaten a top-eight team, apart from a win over the Raiders in round three.

Their defensive record (614 points conceded) is the worst in their century-long existence. If the Dragons beat them by 44 points on Saturday night, their average points conceded (currently 26.7) will eclipse 1954's sad record of 27.4.

Attack-wise, their completion rate (70.1 per cent) is the NRL's second-worst, behind the Sharks (69.2 per cent).

A round-11 victory over Souths by only two points frightened directors, who fear a continuing downward spiral could mean the club finishes wooden spooners in 2007 - and, what is worse, lose to the Rabbitohs.

Politis's board is a millionaires' row of Peter "Talky" Newton, who trades in mining shares; Mark Bouris, who started Wizard Home Loans; David Gyngell, the former boss of Channel Nine; and Mark McInnes, the managing director of retail giant David Jones.

A couple of business statistics concern them - gate receipts are down $500,000 and major sponsorships are up for renewal in 2007. If the Roosters have another abysmal season, the board anticipates having to heavily discount the agreement with naming rights sponsor Samsung.

Stuart, mindful that he is perceived by some as angry, abrasive and austere in his praise, softened his attitude lately. But his players sensed it was a desperate, last-minute attempt to retrieve his position and they reacted with an embarrassing lack of passion.

Stuart was raised in the old school, where hurdles were deliberately raised in order for you to jump over them. Infuriated by the sight of one player partying on the night of the grand final loss to the Bulldogs, Stuart tried to show the young Rooster the error of his ways.

The lad assumed grand finals are the natural order of things and come with the frequency of sunrises. But the player sulked, and his relationship with Stuart has been sour ever since.

Today's jumper-wearers must be treated with the delicacy of treasures from the tomb of King Tut. Speak too harshly to them and they retire to their laptops to check for price movements in their shares.

The Roosters have problems at 1, 7 and 9 - the playmaker positions in modern rugby league. They haven't had fullback Anthony Minichiello for months and shuffled Brett Finch, Craig Wing and Jamie Soward until finally deciding the future of the club lay with young half Josh Lewis. While it would be wise to have an ex-international halfback such as Stuart to continue tutoring Lewis, the Roosters' lack of passion in defence reflected badly on the besieged coach.

It's hard to become a bad coach after winning two premierships (Bulldogs Jersey Flegg and Roosters in successive years), reaching two other grand finals (2003, 2004), coaching NSW to a State of Origin series win and Australia to a victory in their only Test to date this year.

But the Roosters' lack of commitment to putting their bodies on the line was his downfall, together with Politis's problems with Fordham.

It's not a good time to be a coach named Stuart, given the "review" of Stuart Raper recently announced by Cronulla.

Ricky will eventually revive his career at another club, while the man whom he beat in the 2002 grand final, Daniel Anderson, will probably come back from England to coach the Roosters.

Stuart will be needed full-time on the Kangaroos next year, as Australia prepares for a centenary World Cup at home in 2008.

Politis and Stuart are very similar in terms of their competitiveness, work ethic and ruthlessness. The only essential difference between the two is that Politis's position at Bondi Junction was never in doubt.

 

[Google News]

A sticky end for Ricky

... John Lang ruled himself out of contention, while Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce denied suggestions that Stuart would replace Stuart Raper at the Sharks.

Source: http://www.smh.com.au/news/league/a-sticky-end-for-ricky/2006/08/28/1156617274414.html

A sticky end for Ricky
August 29, 2006

St Helens coach Daniel Anderson last night emerged as the front-runner to take over at the Sydney Roosters. Brad Walter reports.

FORMER Warriors coach Daniel Anderson is the favourite to replace sacked Sydney Roosters mentor Ricky Stuart after advising the club of his interest if the job became available.

Anderson, who parted company with the Warriors two years after steering the Auckland club to the 2002 grand final in his first season as an NRL coach, is now in charge of English club St Helens, and on Saturday took the Super League leaders to victory in the Challenge Cup final against Huddersfield.

But the 39-year-old Australian is believed to be keen to resume his NRL career, and the Herald has learnt that either Anderson or an associate close to him contacted the Roosters about the possibility of taking over from Stuart.

While he still has another year to run on his St Helens contract, the Roosters are understood to have been told that Anderson can get out of the deal.

A Canberra official yesterday confirmed the Raiders had also been made aware of Anderson's availability when they were looking for a replacement for Matthew Elliott.

It is believed Elliott, who will take over at Penrith next season on a three-year deal, would have been the first choice to succeed Stuart had he been available but Anderson is also viewed as a good fit for the club, which is rebuilding after failing to make the finals for the past two seasons.

The Roosters board is due to meet tomorrow but it is not clear whether a decision will be made on the coaching job.

Roosters chief executive Brian Canavan said speculation about Anderson and other names taking over from Stuart next season had bought the situation to a head.

After being advised last week that his position was under review, Stuart felt he no longer had the backing of the club's chairman, Nick Politis, and the Kangaroos coach's manager, John Fordham, arranged a meeting yesterday with the Roosters supremo.

"There was a mutual agreement, and that mutual agreement came about from a situation where Ricky felt he didn't have 100 per cent support from within the club," Canavan said. "We're happy it has ended up being a mutual agreement. It's a sad day for Ricky, in particular, and it is a sad day for the club, but our board just decided we needed a new direction and that is what we're doing at the end of the year."

Stuart will be paid out for the remaining year of his contract but is free to coach elsewhere in 2007 if he can secure another job.

"Ricky has done an enormous amount for our club," Canavan said. "However, in the last two years we've had disappointing seasons and Ricky, as the head person, acknowledges that he's got things to do with that. As an act for Ricky, we thought we would pay him out in full and it is deserved."

Politis said several months ago he believed Stuart was the person to lead the club out of trouble, but with just one game to go and the Roosters having an 8-15 win-loss record, circumstances have clearly changed. "At that stage, we were hopeful the season would turn around, and at that stage we were some outside hope of making the finals," Canavan said. "Unfortunately, that didn't happen."

Stuart, who addressed the Roosters players about his impending demise after Sunday's 42-16 thrashing by the Warriors, will have charge of the side for the final time this weekend against St George Illawarra.

"Considering the circumstances, it was in the best interests of both parties to bring an end to this debate that was causing a lot of damage," Stuart said. "In saying that, let me make it clear that this is indeed one of the saddest days in my football career, although I feel I can leave the Roosters with my head held high as we - the players, the coaching staff and the club itself - have achieved a high degree of success in the past five years."

Assistant coach Shane Flanagan, who previously worked with Anderson at Parramatta, put his hand up for the top job.

"This has been brewing for the last two or three weeks so I'm not surprised," Flanagan told AAP. "I'm disappointed for him because he's a good coach and a good mate of mine. He didn't want to go, that wasn't the case at all. The chairman and the board decided it wasn't working and the club needed a change for its 100th year."

Politis dismissed speculation linking Herald columnist Phil Gould and his former Roosters captain Brad Fittler to the job, saying: "He's [Gould's] got a pretty expensive contract with [Channel] Nine, so I don't know if he would have time to coach anyway, even if somebody wanted him to coach."

Outgoing Panthers coach John Lang ruled himself out of contention, while Cronulla chief executive Greg Pierce denied suggestions that Stuart would replace Stuart Raper at the Sharks.

 

[Yahoo News]

Stuart dumped by Roosters

The Sydney Roosters have dumped coach Ricky Stuart after the team won only eight of 23 games so far this season and missed the National Rugby League semi-finals for the second consecutive year.

Source: http://www.theage.com.au/news/league/stuart-dumped-by-roosters/2006/08/29/1156617281801.html

Stuart dumped by Roosters
August 29, 2006

The Sydney Roosters have dumped coach Ricky Stuart after the team won only eight of 23 games so far this season and missed the National Rugby League semi-finals for the second consecutive year.

Stuart's manager, John Fordham, met Roosters chairman Nick Politis yesterday afternoon "in an attempt to reach a mutually agreeable solution", a club statement said.

"It's not a sacking or any of that stuff at all, it's an agreement reached between two parties," Fordham said.

"It's all in the (press) release, I'm about to have a beer with Ricky."

The Australian Test coach will be moving on after Saturday's clash against St George Illawarra at the SCG, with the final year of his contract to be paid out in full.

Already, there is speculation Stuart could take over at Cronulla next season, although Sharks chief executive Greg Pierce indicated Stuart Raper was likely to retain the job.

"Like everyone, I'm surprised," hooker Craig Wing said. "I was just out the door from training and one of the guys picked up the phone and said 'S---, look what's happened'. It's all a bit of a shock."

Stuart guided the Roosters to three successive grand finals, including a premiership in his first year in charge in 2002, but chief executive Brian Canavan confirmed the board was ready for a "new direction".

Former New Zealand Warriors coach Daniel Anderson, who coached Super League side St Helens to a Challenge Cup victory over Huddersfield on the weekend, is favourite to take over Stuart's role.

But assistant Shane Flanagan said he wanted the top job. "I've done my time, I'd like to have a shot at it," he said.

 

[Capital_Shark]

The only positive I can see in appointing Ricky would be that he'd have the balls to make changes. However the administration didn't seem to like that too much when Anderson tried it. Ricky did have the successful Roosters team built for him, they were gonna make the GF in 2002 no matter who was coach.

Ricky wasn't really given too much of a chance at the Roosters to build his own team so we're not sure how he goes on his own. Sharks team isn't too bad, we have the players in the ranks, its just rubbing out the blokes who aren't working and knocking the rest into shape.

At the end of the day, he can't do any worse than bugger all in 40 years.

 

[PornStar]

This is just typical Cronulla

the roosters know its time to bring in a new coach, and have parted ways with the current Australian coach, yes thats right they had the balls to do it to the Australian coach but our board wont budge on similiar issues that are demanding attention.

The problem is while we sit around and twiddle our thumbs clubs like the roosters are making the moves and putting the motions into action to rebuild an already successful club. So in a months time when we finally decide to sack Raper there wont be anyone worthy of coaching left, Daniel Anderson will go to the roosters and Jong Lang will probably go to england or take a year off and Chris Anderson unfortunately will never return to the club.

This club needs to find the ballls to make the descisions or we will fall even further behind during the off season

 

[Hammerhead]

Ricky Stuart is a joke.

 

[db72]

I love this stuff.... what is impressive is the fact Ricky Stuart can take a team to 3 successive GF, win one but still the board punts him for underachieving. Pierce and our board should take a look at this and start making some tough decisions for the future of our club! Punt the dead wood and get someone in who can change culture! I cant believe the West Tigers have won a comp before we have!!!!! This is the biggest dissapointment!

 

[Google News]

Stuart Remains As Kangaroos Coach

... Coach in for the 2003 series when he was sacked from the Cronulla position. ... take on New Zealand and Great Britain following the completion of the NRL season in ...

Source: http://www.rleague.com/db/article.php?id=26323

STUART REMAINS AS KANGAROOS COACH
29 Aug 2006 14:30
by Matthew O'Neill

It hasn't been all bad news for Ricky Stuart this week with the ARL confirming that he'll continue on as Australian Test Coach despite being sacked as Roosters Coach yesterday.

Stuart has been in charge of the National side for one game with Australia defeating New Zealand 50-12 at Brisbane's Suncorp Stadium in May this year. Stuart was quickly appointed in the top job last year following Wayne Bennett's resignation following Australia's ill-fated Tri Nations campaign.

ARL Chief Executive Geoff Carr said, "It's unusual in fact that Australia will have a head coach or a national coach that now doesn't have club commitments. It's actually quite a positive for us. We can take advantage of that leading into a centenary celebration and a World Cup year in 2008."

Chris Anderson, Australia's most successful Coach of the last 10 years on two occasions held the position as Test Coach despite not having any Club commitments. Anderson stood down as Melbourne Coach in 2001 and still kept the position as Kangaroos Coach during that season and on the end of season Tour. He was also Test Coach in for the 2003 series when he was sacked from the Cronulla position. Anderson led the Kangaroos to a 3-0 series win with a depleted side and hasn't been seen since in the coaching ranks.

Bob Fulton was Australian Coach between 1989-92 when he had no Club commitments in between his four year break from coaching Manly and Don Furner remained on as Australian Coach in 1988 after he retired from coaching Canberra the year before.

Australia will take on New Zealand and Great Britain following the completion of the NRL season in the Tri Nations Tournament to be held in Australia and New Zealand this year with both nations hosting three Tests each. The Final will be played at Sydney's Aussie Stadium with Australia hot favourites to be one of the sides competing in the decider.

New Zealand won the Tri Nations last year defeating Australia 24-0 in the Final and it was the first time since 1971 that Australia lost a series or tournament. The Kangaroos were missing captain Darren Lockyer for the Final and unless there's any major injury, Lockyer will be once again confirmed as the Kangaroos captain since taking on the role in 2003.

 

[brently]

i agree with capital - surely he couldn't have a negative impact. look at where we are right now. stuart was a very good half back, but the fact that he had both a kickarse team and a quasi-coach in gould means he is still unproven as a coach (at all levels, too). forced to choose twixt stability and risky gamble, i would choose the latter. the greater the risk, the greater the reward? buggered if i know

 

[the mole]

hammerhead the gummy bought up an option but you just keep saying sack raper.I agree sack him but who do you think should take over i don,t see many options .But the truth is raper is here to stay at least till 6 to 10 rounds next season.There not sacking him yet

 

[Hammerhead]

hammerhead the gummy bought up an option but you just keep saying sack raper.

Can you show me one forum where Ive said sack Raper?? I have always favoured sticking by raper until his contract is up, but think he desperately needs help. If you read back through forums ive said they should look to appoint someone senior like Lang to oversee all three grades.