Raiders acknowledged the ‘frustrating’ ref calls after brutal loss as Ricky skillfully avoids Bunker question….
The Canberra Raiders have publicly acknowledged their frustration with several contentious refereeing decisions following their crushing defeat, with coach Ricky Stuart carefully sidestepping a direct question about the Bunker’s involvement.
In the wake of the loss, which dealt a serious blow to their finals hopes, club officials admitted the officiating “didn’t help” but stressed the team must take accountability for missed opportunities. Stuart, known for his candid post-match sprays, instead chose diplomacy, praising his players’ effort while hinting at inconsistencies in key calls without risking sanction. The defeat, compounded by penalties and overturned tries, left players visibly deflated.
Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead urged the squad to refocus, warning that dwelling on refereeing controversies could derail their season. Fans, however, were vocal on social media, accusing officials of bias and demanding NRL review protocols. While the club prepares for a must-win clash next week, the lingering sting of Saturday’s officiating remains a talking point across Canberra’s rugby league community.
