Canberra Raiders News

Fri, 22nd May, 2026, 0:14 AEST
Stuart blasts officials after Raiders lose to Dolphins
The Dolphins clinched an NRL top eight spot amidst controversy, as Coach Ricky Stuart criticized officiating after their 30-22 win against Canberra.
The Canberra Times
Coach Ricky Stuart has lambasted the NRL's officiating, saying he's never been so confused about the rules after controversial calls overshadowed the Dolphins 30-22 victory against Canberra.
In a fiery two-minute press conference, where Stuart didn't answer any questions, the coach took aim at the referees and bunker after a series of 50/50 calls fell the visitors' way on Thursday night at GIO Stadium.
Most significantly, a second-half call where Joe Tapine and Morgan Smithies made a big tackle on Ray Stone was ruled a penalty by Todd Smith, with the referee saying Smithies made "unnecessary contact" with his elbow.
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Thu, 21st May, 2026, 23:16 AEST
Ricky Stuart declares he has 'never been so confused' in stunning 108-second press conference
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart addressed media after the Raiders' loss, praising players, fans, and subtly criticizing officiating.
Fox League
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart has delivered a post-match sermon that last less than two minutes following the Raiders' 30-22 loss to the Dolphins in the nation's capital on Thursday.
Stuart did not take questions from media who had waited patiently for well over an hour to hear from him following the Raiders' seventh loss of the season.
The veteran coach began his press conference by pledging the Canberra club's support for recently retired Rabbitoh Jai Arrow, who this week bravely revealed he was battling motor neurone disease.
He then thanked the Raiders' fans for facing the chilly weather in 'a tough time slot, Thursday night', before praising his 'very brave, courageous football team' and declaring the Dolphins the better side on the night.
What came next was a veiled swipe at the way the match was officiated and Stuart may have had a point, with referee Todd Smith appearing to have forgotten his whistle at times.
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Thu, 21st May, 2026, 22:42 AEST
Depleted Dolphins make history with Raiders win
The Dolphins secured their fourth consecutive NRL victory, defeating Canberra 30-22 despite numerous player absences and controversial officiating decisions.
The Canberra Times
The Dolphins have shaken off a plethora of star absences to secure a fourth-straight NRL victory for the first time in club history, powering past Canberra 30-22 at GIO Stadium.
Without fullback Hamiso Tabuai-Fidow, winger Selwyn Cobbo, prop Thomas Flegler and lock Max Plath because of State of Origin duties, the Dolphins faced an uphill battle to overcome last year's minor premiers on Thursday night.
Star centre Herbie Farnworth (hamstring tightness) and five-eighth Kodi Nikorima (hamstring) also compounded their player shortage, but they looked unfazed as their pulsating attack and solid defence caused havoc for the Raiders.
However, questions will be asked of the officials after a series of 50/50 calls fell the visitors' way, including most crucially a second-half decision that led to a penalty goal.
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Stuart blasts officials after Raiders lose to Dolphins

Ricky Stuart declares he has 'never been so confused' in stunning 108-second press conference

Depleted Dolphins make history with Raiders win

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