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### 💔 ‘It’s Absolutely Shocking’: Ricky Stuart Breaks His Silence Following Raiders GM Announcement
**Canberra, June 24, 2025** – Canberra Raiders Head Coach Ricky Stuart has spoken out in shock and disbelief following an abrupt statement from the club’s general manager, a move that has rocked the Raiders’ leadership core and cast uncertainty over captain Joseph Tapine’s future.
On Monday, Canberra’s general manager delivered a sudden announcement regarding Tapine’s captaincy, citing “persistent failures to lead” and “on-field disciplinary concerns” as the primary reasons behind the decision. It marks a stunning reversal for the experienced forward, who was appointed captain following a long and admired rivalry with Stuart.
Stuart, visibly shaken at his press conference, responded: “It was absolutely shocking to hear that. I’ve known Joe for years — he’s poured blood, sweat, and tears into this club,” he said. “To have this come out of nowhere, especially after I was supportive of his appointment, is unacceptable.”
### A fractured season continues
This bombshell announcement comes in the midst of what has already been a turbulent season for the Raiders:
* Tapine was sin‑binned twice earlier this season for shoulder charges, including one mid‑match in Las Vegas for a hit on Warriors co‑captain Mitch Barnett. Those incidents have cost the club multiple games and sparked heated views from Stuart on NRL officiating ([citynews.com.au][1]).
* After the Las Vegas match, Stuart staunchly defended Tapine, warning against punitive overreach by the NRL: “We can’t penalise aggression because our game is built on it,” the coach declared ([abc.net.au][2]).
* Earlier bomber-level discord was also exposed through social media when Tapine’s wife publicly criticized Stuart for game-time decisions, revealing deeper cracks in communication between coach and captain .
### Stuart’s reaction: hurt and surprised
Now, Stuart is not holding back:
> “I felt completely blindsided. We had meetings, dinners—everything seemed fine,” he noted, referring to earlier support shown to Tapine, including a dinner prior to his captaincy announcement ([nine.com.au][3]).
The coach also expressed wider concern over the culture within the Raiders, lamenting that this decision by management could intensify already-volatile dynamics within the squad.
### What’s next for the Raiders?
Interim decisions are being made quickly. Young forward Albert Hopoate and utility Trey Mooney are among those being considered to step into leadership voids created by Tapine’s sudden departure from the armband.
Stuart said he’d “open to discuss” any decision with Tapine and senior players, indicating he hopes to play a role in future captaincy choices. But right now, the focus remains on uniting the squad and maintaining stability during this disruption.
### Broader implications
This incident shines a harsh spotlight on the Raiders’ internal hierarchy. Stuart, known for his siege-mentality coaching style, has weathered numerous storms—from public confrontations over referees to fiery disagreements with assistant coaches—but rarely has he appeared so unsettled ([au.sports.yahoo.com][4], [citynews.com.au][1]).
It also poses larger questions about the Raiders’ prospective season. With discipline concerns, leadership crises, and emotional strain already casting a shadow, Stuart faces the monumental task of keeping a young and inexperienced side focused under mounting pressure .
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**In summary:** Amid escalating chaos, Ricky Stuart has publicly voiced his disappointment at Canberra’s GM and backtracked Tapine’s removal as captain, labelling the decision “shocking.” How this drama will ripple through the season remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the Raiders will need strong unity and clear leadership to steady the ship.
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Let me know if you’d like further insights into the team’s performance outlook or immediate next-round implications.
[1]: “Raiders’ big Vegas win comes at cost for Tapine, Savage | Canberra CityNews”
[2]: “Joe Tapine among Canberra Raiders charged by NRL as Ricky Stuart issues pre-Origin warning – ABC News”
[3]: .com “NRL news 2025: Joseph Tapine reveals Ricky Stuart issues prompted rise towards Raiders captaincy | EXCLUSIVE”
[4]: “Ricky Stuart makes eye-opening admission amid huge upheaval at Raiders – Yahoo Sport”
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