Ricky Stuart denies pressuring players to miss pre-season game, as accused by Maori All Stars coach.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has hit back at "ridiculous" accusations from Maori All Stars mentor Adam Blair that he pressured Raiders players into missing last weekend's pre-season game due to injury fears.
"There's so many talented players that could've been here but due to pressures… for example, I love our Canberra boys and we could have taken five or six of them and put them in our squad.
After leading the Maori All Stars to
a 10-6 victory over the Indigenous team in Sydney on Saturday evening
, Blair called for the NRL to police player availability for the annual contest, namechecking the Raiders as a culprit.
The former New Zealand representative declared that Canberra prop Joe Tapine would have been selected for the All Stars clash if available, sparking debate about the event's scheduling.
"The more they hold everyone accountable then it becomes easier for the clubs to go, 'Well, the game says you have to play - unless you're injured - you go and play'," Blair said.