“Absurd”: Ricky Stuart Responds to ‘Immature’ and ‘Selfish’ Remarks by Adam Blair in All Star Controversy

In a fiery response, Ricky Stuart has hit back at Maori All Stars coach Adam Blair, labelling his remarks about the availability of Raiders players for this weekend’s annual match as “childish”.

Stuart expressed his frustration after Blair brought up the Raiders while urging the NRL to ensure clubs make their players accessible for the prestigious fixture.

Following the Indigenous All Stars’ narrow 10-6 victory in Sydney on Saturday night, the veteran coach, a stalwart of the NRL with over 300 games under his belt, highlighted his desire to include multiple Canberra players in the squad, claiming that “pressures” from clubs hindered this.

“If we held everyone accountable, it would make it easier for the clubs to say, ‘The game requires you to play – unless you’re injured – so get out there’,” Blair noted.

“There are so many talented players who could’ve been here, but because of these pressures… I genuinely like our boys from Canberra, and we could’ve had five or six of them join our squad.”

“However, I understand that these players are among the best in Canberra.”

Stuart’s irritation was palpable as he rejected the suggestion that he had encouraged players to sit out ahead of the NRL’s upcoming season opener in Las Vegas.

He denied that the Maori All Stars coach had ever contacted him regarding the participation of Raiders players and branded Blair as “inexperienced” and his statements as “childish”.

“The comments were absurd. It was a juvenile remark, indicative of an inexperienced coach. Clearly, he coaches in a way that focuses on his own interests,” Stuart remarked.

“We have yet to receive any communication from Blair asking for any of our players to join the Maori team. His remarks have really soured our relationship with that game.”

Stuart also took the chance to highlight the scheduling issues related to the match, advocating for its relocation.

“That game is scheduled at the wrong point in the season, to begin with. I might be the only one with the guts to actually say that. I enjoy watching the match; it’s entertaining, but the timing is off,” he pointed out.

“For Blair to come out with those comments when he hasn’t even made contact with our club is erroneous. It reflects the mindset of someone still learning the ropes of coaching.”

“Anyone with even a basic understanding of rugby league would recognise the Canberra Raiders’ dedication to nurturing and providing opportunities for our Maori, Pasifika, and Indigenous players,” Stuart emphasised.

“Our long-standing commitment to supporting the NRL All Stars game has been severely undermined by these naive comments from someone still learning the ropes.”

“This proud club does far more to support our Maori, Pasifika, and Indigenous players than Adam Blair could ever realise.”

“Our players chose not to participate, with many doing so without our knowledge, due to the manner in which the Maori team managed their communications.”

“I’m certain we can all agree that while the All Stars concept is fantastic, its timing in the season is misguided.”

Stuart concluded, “To suggest that we are disappointed by Adam Blair’s remarks would be an understatement.”

In the meantime, the Raiders are optimistic they have found a long-term solution for their hooker position.

Initially signed as a development player for 2025, Owen Pattie has been promoted to the Raiders’ top-30 squad following a contract extension through to 2028.

He shone in his first NRL trial, scoring two tries, and has won over club officials with his commitment and performance throughout the off-season.

Since Josh Hodgson’s departure in 2022, the Raiders have been searching for a reliable hooker, seeing Tom Starling, Zac Woolford, and Danny Levi all take turns at the No.9 jersey.

“We really see him as someone who can grow with the squad and continue making strides in our team for the long haul,” stated Raiders chief executive Don Furner to AAP.

“His formidable work ethic and evident talent from lower-grade competitions mark him as a promising player for our future.”