NSW PLAYERS say much-derided coach Ricky Stuart deserves as much credit as his successor Laurie Daley for Wednesday's State of Origin breakthrough.
Daley will rightly go down in the history books as the coach who ended Queensland's mighty eight-year reign but, without prompting, Stuart's name was also tossed up for praise in the winning NSW sheds.
Winning NSW Origin coach Laurie Daley with former Blues boss Ricky Stuart. Source: News Limited
Stuart, Daley's former Canberra teammate, was at the helm when the Blues last won a series in 2005.
But despite the sense of optimism which surrounded his return to the role in 2011-12, Stuart was ultimately unsuccessful in breaking Queensland's run.
However, his impact on that Blues team hasn't been forgotten. Although losing back-to-back series in deciding matches under Stuart was agonising, NSW praised the embattled Raiders' mentor for instilling the hard-nosed culture which eventually paid off in Wednesday's 6-4 win.
Star back-rower Greg Bird said Daley had finished a job started by Stuart.
State of Origin takes heavy injury toll0:38
State of Origin has again taken its toll on club land with a host of players ruled out with long term injuries.
“Loz has been great for us but it's not all Loz,” Bird said. “It's a combination of Ricky Stuart, what he brought and what he started. The squad that started a couple of years ago that's had to lose those couple (of series) ... building what we've created (on Wednesday).”
Stuart is often criticised for his intense approach, but players have always said his methods were ideally suited to the scrutiny, pressure and passion of Origin.
Beau Scott debuted in 2010 for the Blues, but said the self-belief in the NSW camp went to another level the following year under Stuart.
Ricky Stuart talks with Greg Bird during his time as Blues coach. Source: News Limited
“I've been around for a few years now on the scene. I think Ricky Stuart created the culture we've got here,” he said.
“Laurie has continued this great culture and it showed (on Wednesday) how gritty we were and to hang in there and win it late in the game.” Stuart's Raiders are languishing near the bottom of the NRL table with just four wins, and last year, his Parramatta outfit collected the wooden spoon.
Replies
Wow! The Ricky propaganda train keeps on rolling.... If it was any other Coach there would be nearly daily articles on why they should be sacked. Instead despite the overwhelming evidence to the contrary we keep getting articles about his exceptional coaching prowess.
The way he ended his time with us was unprofessional and it lacked integrity. He got rid of some dead wood for us and made some hard calls, which someone needed to do. Stuart won't be remembered as one of our good coaches though.
Despite losing back to back Origin series with the Blues, he did begin something. Now we are the champions and it's respectful to give credit to him for what he did (while hoping that he never comes back to coach Parra!)
Do you know what Bert likes the best?....
That not one Eels player has spoken out and given any credit to pRICKY for team results and changes this year.
This is so sad.. His mates know he's a shit coach and feel they should throw him a bone.
Instead of saying how good he is, they should just leave him alone and leave the propaganda to RS. Even Ricky must be starting to wonder if he's as good as he says he is. :)
If RS ever realises he is a shite coach, he will then have to work out whose fault it is.
It's pretty sad seeing everyone feeling sorry for him and throwing him a bone
The best thing pRicky did was to remove himself from Origin,thereby allowing him to f**k up Parramatta,then help Parramatta by f**king off to Canberra,where is free to f**k up Canberra.
His only coaching ability is to shine brightly by leaving teams in a mess for others to fix.I can only infer that pRicky must be an artiste at fellatio,as that is the only way he gets these high paying gigs.He must have a side business at a nursery to make profitable use of the bulls**t that sprouts from his mouth.
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