Opinion Is Ricky Stuart the most overrated coach ever?

[Penrose Warrior]

Yeah, I mean the consistency in the NRL refereeing ranks is pretty non-existent, we all know that. And calls go against the away teams more often than they do against the home team, which we also know. Was Canberra's discipline worse than Manly's? Probably yes, because they were fatigued, had less ball, more penalties come when you're defending etc. That much worse? Maybe not, but 'wah wah penalty count lopsided' is a pretty weak argument sometimes.

But what King Stick does, with help from his mates in the media, is to put pressure on refs and make them think twice when they think about blowing against his side in the future. That's the game he's playing.

 

[AlwaysGreen]

The big question is how the f**k did Ricky end up on a panel with 7 time premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett and 4 time premiership winning coach Ivan Cleary?

One of these things is not like the others.

 

[nick87]

But what King Stick does, with help from his mates in the media, is to put pressure on refs and make them think twice when they think about blowing against his side in the future. That's the game he's playing.

You say that like it's not the game everyone's trying to play
All coaches are doing this, the coaches are constantly on the phone to the football ops guys in town complaining about x, y and z on how they're being officiated and what their upcoming opponents are doing that "needs to be looked at"

That's sport really. Edges where ever you can find them

 

[Mojo]

The big question is how the f**k did Ricky end up on a panel with 7 time premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett and 4 time premiership winning coach Ivan Cleary?

One of these things is not like the others.

As the saying goes ... 'loudest voice in the room.'

 

[Penrose Warrior]

You say that like it's not the game everyone's trying to play
All coaches are doing this, the coaches are constantly on the phone to the football ops guys in town complaining about x, y and z on how they're being officiated and what their upcoming opponents are doing that "needs to be looked at"

That's sport really. Edges where ever you can find them

Oh no not for a second, I wasn't bagging it all. I think Stick is the best at it because he has zero f**ks to give about how he's perceived

 

[Peach & Apricot]

I reckon Canberra do well this year. Capable of top 4.

 

[mave]

You know you've made the big time when you've got your own mural in Queanbeyan.

All hail the Stick, as he looks down upon his subjects with an all-knowing gaze.

 

[BadnMean]

Yeah, I mean the consistency in the NRL refereeing ranks is pretty non-existent, we all know that. And calls go against the away teams more often than they do against the home team, which we also know. Was Canberra's discipline worse than Manly's? Probably yes, because they were fatigued, had less ball, more penalties come when you're defending etc. That much worse? Maybe not, but 'wah wah penalty count lopsided' is a pretty weak argument sometimes.

But what King Stick does, with help from his mates in the media, is to put pressure on refs and make them think twice when they think about blowing against his side in the future. That's the game he's playing.

I think Rick had a reasonable point about a tenth of a second difference across ptb speeds being so fierecly policed in one direction. And generally before a sin bin you get a warning or the captain gets pulled aside for chat. None of that.

100% agree he's playing that game. And he needs to - just to counter the weight some other teams have in that regard via size, wealth, influence etc.

 

[Captain Apollo]

View attachment 100187

That was last week.



This week.

 

[dogslife]

The big question is how the f**k did Ricky end up on a panel with 7 time premiership winning coach Wayne Bennett and 4 time premiership winning coach Ivan Cleary?

One of these things is not like the others.

Because when the inevitable complaints starts flowing from Stick, the NRL can throw their hands up and tell him it's his own fault

 

[mozza91]

He’s obviously employed a wrestling coach. Some quality submission attempts from Horsburgh and Tapine tonight.

 

[gerg]

He’s obviously employed a wrestling coach. Some quality submission attempts from Horsburgh and Tapine tonight.

Chris Lewis has joined from Melbourne.

 

[Wizardman]

I know why Sticky has persevered with Weekes but when your fullback is not safe, he has to go. I don't think Weekes has been contributing much in attack either.
Im not sure how that Chevy Chase guy they have in NSW Cup has been going, but if he is in good touch with the safety parts of the game, it is time to give him another go.

 

[BadnMean]

I know why Sticky has persevered with Weekes but when your fullback is not safe, he has to go. I don't think Weekes has been contributing much in attack either.
Im not sure how that Chevy Chase guy they have in NSW Cup has been going, but if he is in good touch with the safety parts of the game, it is time to give him another go.

You make some valid points. Weekes has some credit in the bank from some very good individual games last season (attack and defence). But I say individual games because his attack is that he is very, very quick so of he busts your tackle or gets on your outside shoulder, he can be untouchable. But he doesn't really know how to chime in and ball play.

Yeah he's got the dropsies. You can only tolerate that a few games. He's probably got one or two more in the bank.

Chevy has been going well but isn't as physically robust as Weekes yet. Then again he's bigger and stronger than a Walsh or Paps. Chevy can play the extra man as FB on the sweep play much better- he can pick as pass in Cup and is quick enough like any outside back but not electric like Savage or Weekes.

If we are talking dream outcomes/styles- Weekes is a Mullins type pure pace merchant you may or may not clean up all the kicks. Chevy is Gary Belcher who can unlock a defence by chiming in the backline to pass, or slicing through himself and is better in defensive positioning. Those were god tier players but you get the idea.

 

[mongoose]

I know why Sticky has persevered with Weekes but when your fullback is not safe, he has to go. I don't think Weekes has been contributing much in attack either.
Im not sure how that Chevy Chase guy they have in NSW Cup has been going, but if he is in good touch with the safety parts of the game, it is time to give him another go.

makes sense but we'll probably see Kris or Albert Hopoate in the 1 next week.

 

[GreenMachine121]

Chevy Chase ! Love it

 

[I Bleed Maroon]

Nobody has posted anything about it so I guess his last presser wasn't very entertaining?