Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says his side would have made the top four if it weren’t for injuries that shaped the club’s season after a semi …
Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has claimed his team would have finished in the NRL’s top four if not for the injury crisis that derailed their 2025 campaign. Speaking after the club’s semi-final exit, Stuart was emotional yet proud of how his players fought through adversity, saying the team’s resilience was nothing short of remarkable. “We were battered, bruised, and short on troops for most of the year, but the effort and heart never disappeared,” Stuart said. “If we’d had a healthy roster, I’ve got no doubt we’d be sitting in the top four.”
The Raiders battled injuries to key stars including Jamal Fogarty, Joseph Tapine, and Xavier Savage throughout the season, forcing Stuart to rely heavily on young talent and inexperienced combinations. Despite those challenges, Canberra still managed to qualify for the finals and pull off an impressive elimination win before bowing out in the semis.
Stuart also praised his leadership group for keeping the squad motivated through tough stretches. “It’s easy to give up when things go wrong, but our leaders kept the group tight,” he said. “We didn’t complain; we just kept fighting.”
Looking ahead, Stuart believes the experience gained this year will make the Raiders stronger in 2026. “We’ve built character. We’ve got young blokes who’ve learned what it takes to compete at this level,” he added. “If we can stay fit next season, I truly believe we’ll be challenging for a top-four spot — and maybe even more.”
