They may have just secured the 2025 minor premiership, but Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart says there’s zero pressure on his young side as expectations build ahead of the NRL finals.
Following a hard-fought Round 26 victory over Wests Tigers, 24-10, the Raiders were presented with the J.J. Giltinan Shield before delirious fans at GIO Stadium.
“It’s great for the club, and great for our people (to win it at home),” Stuart said after the match.
“Whatever happens now over the next five or six weeks is just going to be a great bonus.”
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“The thing I like about it now, it’s easy for me coaching because there’s no pressure on us,” Stuart added.
“We’re not meant to be here, no-one thought we’d be near the pointy end of the competition.”
While proud of the Raiders’ achievements so far in 2025, and excited for the opportunity that awaits in September, Stuart explained he was just as excited about the club’s future.
“Ninety percent of this group is signed up for the next three or four seasons,” he said.
“So what the younger players get out of this experience going forward is going to be such a benefit in the next three or four years.”
With the minor premiership now safely locked up, it will be interesting to see how many players Stuart rests for next week’s final round away match with the Dolphins in Redcliffe.