Inside the influential leadership team driving Ricky’s Raiders to the top…
Behind Ricky Stuart’s resurgent Canberra Raiders is a tight-knit and highly influential leadership team driving the club’s on-field success and off-field culture. At the core is Stuart himself—passionate, tactical, and fiercely loyal—setting the tone with his no-nonsense approach and deep connection to the club. Supporting him is a group of experienced senior players who lead by example: captain Elliott Whitehead brings calm consistency, while veterans like Jack Wighton and Josh Papalii offer emotional drive and physical dominance.
But it doesn’t stop on the field. The coaching staff, including respected assistants such as Brett White and Mick Crawley, play crucial roles in strategy, development, and maintaining standards throughout the squad. Behind the scenes, General Manager of Football Matt Ford ensures operational excellence, aligning recruitment, retention, and resources to the club’s long-term vision.
What sets this team apart is trust and cohesion—from the boardroom to the locker room. Young stars like Jordan Rapana and Hudson Young are thriving under this structure, contributing to a balance of experience and energy. United in purpose and built on resilience, the Raiders’ leadership team isn’t just guiding the club through 2025—they’re shaping a premiership contender.
