Ricky Stuart

Ricky Stuart has had a decorated career as both a rugby league player and coach, transitioning from an esteemed athlete to a respected figure in the sport and community. After achieving three premierships with the Canberra Raiders as a player, he has gone on to coach multiple NRL clubs and national teams, while also establishing ‘The Ricky Stuart Foundation’ to support families affected by autism. After securing three NSWRL Premierships with the Canberra Raiders as a player, Ricky Stuart forged a distinguished career as both an athlete and a successful coach. Stuart initially represented Australia in rugby union, touring Argentina with the Wallabies in 1987.

Stuart transitioned seamlessly into coaching, immediately leading the Bulldogs Jersey Flegg team to a premiership in 2001. His impact in the National Rugby League (NRL) was immediate, securing a premiership with the Sydney Roosters in his inaugural season as head coach in 2002. He coached the Roosters until 2006, guiding them to three consecutive Grand Finals from 2002 to 2004. Subsequently, he coached the Cronulla Sharks (2007-2010) and the Parramatta Eels (2013), before returning to the Canberra Raiders as head coach in 2014, a position he holds today.

In recognition of his contributions to rugby league, Stuart was inducted into the NRL Hall of Fame in July 2018. His recent accolades include guiding the Canberra Raiders to the NRL Grand Final in 2019 and being awarded the Dally M Coach of the Year in 2016. Stuart was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours. In 2025, he guided the Canberra Raiders to their first Minor Premiership since 1990 and earned the Dally M Coach of the Year award again, solidifying his status as one of rugby league’s most influential figures.