We love the mighty Canberra Raiders
Ricky Stuart has been thrust into the State of Origin coaching conversation as the NSW Blues search for answers after a straight-sets series defeat.
Blues coach Brad Fittler is unlikely to have his contract renewed following back-to-back series losses to Queensland.
The Canberra Raiders coach has been put forward as an option for next year, along with his assistant coach Michael Maguire and NRL Immortal Andrew Johns.
Ricky Stuart won't buy into speculation he could be the man to replace Brad Fittler as NSW State of Origin coach, saying the state's reluctance to appoint an NRL club mentor was likely to rule him out.
With his contract set to expire at year's end, Fittler's future is up in the air after back-to-back series losses. The former Penrith and Sydney Roosters star now holds a 3-3 record as Blues boss.
Stuart, who's already had two stints as NSW mentor, has been mooted as the perfect replacement for Fittler should he be sacked with many believing his passionate approach is what the Blues need after their recent defeats.
But the...
Ricky Stuart is effectively ruled out of the running to be the next NSW coach, with the Canberra Raiders coach pointing to the rules in place preventing NRL coaches from leading the Blues.
Stuart also felt there was no desire from the NSWRL to change the rule so it was a moot point whether someone in charge of a club could also handle State of Origin duties.
The NRL Hall of Famer has been linked with the NSW coaching job in the wake of the Blues' 32-6 capitulation to Queensland on Wednesday night.