The Australian Rugby League Commission (ARLC) has congratulated Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart, who brings up his 500th match as an NRL coach this weekend.
Stuart will become just the fifth coach to reach the milestone when the Raiders host the Sharks in an NRL Telstra Premiership Round 8 clash at GIO Stadium on Sunday.
In raising the milestone, Stuart will join an exclusive list which currently includes only Wayne Bennett (920* matches coached), Tim Sheens (693), Brian Smith (601), and Craig Bellamy (556*).
ARLC Chairman Peter V’landys AM said Stuart had become one of the most accomplished coaches in the game following an illustrious playing career which included three Premierships with the Raiders in 1989, 1990 and 1994.
“Ricky has gone on to become one of the game’s longest serving and a Premiership-winning coach after an outstanding playing career, and he now joins a very short list of NRL coaches who have reached 500 matches,” said Mr V’landys.
“As a coach he applies the same traits that made him such a brilliant player and leader on the field. We all see the ferocious competitor and the passion Ricky has, but that also comes with a genuine care for the game and for his players and his record is testament to his ability to get the most out of his teams.
“Just as importantly Ricky is a champion person. His work through the Ricky Stuart foundation, whose objective is to ensure that every individual with autism and their family has access to state-of-the-art respite facilities and best practice housing models, is extraordinary and inspirational.”
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Ricky Stuart had made a major contribution to the game as a player, coach and ambassador.
“Ricky Stuart has broken records as a player and now as a coach.
“Also many people wouldn’t realise how much Ricky pours back into the Rugby League community through his work off the field outside of coaching and I want to thank him for his contribution to the game as he celebrates this special milestone.”
* Denotes active NRL coach
