Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been banned from attending Sunday’s match against the Dragons and having contact with Canberra players or coaching staff for seven days over his comments directed towards Panthers five-eighth Jaeman Salmon.
Stuart, who will hand the coaching duties over to Raiders assistants Brett White, Andrew McFadden and Mick Crawley, has also been ordered to pay a $25,000 from his own pocket, as well as the seven day suspension from all club activities.
NRL CEO Andrew Abdo said Stuart’s comments about Salmon at last Saturday night’s post-match press conference after Penrith’s 26-6 defeat of Canberra at GIO Stadium were “completely unacceptable for any person in the game”.
Stuart and Cleary face-off over Salmon penalty
“It is unacceptable regardless of the context of the circumstances of any matters that might have occurred of a private nature,” Abdo said. “It is unacceptable for someone to speak like that and therefore we have taken the action we have.
“What has occurred here is that a head coach has made inappropriate comments in a public forum and the language he has used is unacceptable.
“Leaders need to set the standard in the game. The comments are completely unacceptable from any individual, let alone an official of such experience and standing.”
Abdo said Stuart was not allowed to provide instruction or direction to the team, individual players or club officials until 4pm next Tuesday, either remotely or in person.
“He is unable to contact individuals or the team in relation to training or preparation for the game,” Abdo said. “He won’t be permitted to attend the Canberra Raiders’ facility or the match on Sunday.
“We are asking for Ricky to refrain from any activities in relation to the Raiders ongoing preparation for the season and for this match.
"We have an Integrity Unit, we have a salary cap team, and I am confident that everyone understands the seriousness of this.”
The Raiders issued a brief statement confirming that Stuart and the club had accepted the penalties imposed and Abdo said he had spoken with Canberra CEO Don Furner before announcing details of the suspension and fine.
The NRL has offered support for both Salmon and Stuart.
“I have spoken to Don Furner today and I have spoken to Ricky previously as well,” he said. “Clearly everyone is disappointed about what has occurred, and they are accepting of the sanction that we have imposed.
“We are appreciative of the professional way that we have been able to communicate with them on this matter.”
The Panthers said they fully supported the action taken by the NRL against Stuart.
"Panthers is disappointed by the original comments made by Stuart on Saturday night, and believes that there is no place in the game for such comments," a statement said.
"The club does not tolerate verbal abuse towards any member of the Panthers playing squad.
"Jaeman is a highly valued member of the Panthers playing group. Having played every match of the 2022 season, Jaeman is an integral player in Ivan Cleary’s side and was influential in the side’s last-start win over Canberra.
"Jaeman's wellbeing is the club's priority at this time, and Panthers is ensuring he has a strong support network around him."