Ricky Stuart learned to protect young players from NRL's pressures under mentor Tim Sheens.
Early in his career, Ricky Stuart learned from the master when it comes to protecting young players from the pressure and expectation that comes with the public glare of the NRL.
I witnessed it firsthand when Tim Sheens did his best to play down expectations when it came to Stuart, Bradley Clyde and Laurie Daley as they entered first grade as young players, even though they were destined for greatness.
Remember, of course, that this was before the concept of media managers in rugby league clubs had become a reality.
As well as coaching, Sheens took on the task of limiting the hype around his rising stars.