Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has clocked up another fine from the NRL, taking his total career fines total to a staggering $125,000.
Stuart was fined $20,000 for five breaches of the NRL’s media policy, after he walked out of a press conference following Saturday’s defeat to Brisbane, before also from a halftime interview with host broadcaster Fox Sports, which he had agreed to do before the match, and refusing to allow any Raiders players to speak to the media afterwards.
A radio interview Stuart conducted mid-week, in which he outlined the reasons for cutting short the press conference after 24 seconds, was also deemed to have been a breach of the NRL rules about comment on referees.
A $20,000 fine was imposed because of Stuart’s history of criticising referees, which had previously totalled $105,000 over nine separate incidents at Sydney Roosters, Cronulla, Parramatta and Canberra.
He did not take any questions during the press conference in question, and walked out after telling reporters: “[NRL head of football Todd Greenberg] was at the game tonight and I just really hope he saw what I saw. 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.”
