Ricky Stuart

Remarkably gifted halfback with arguably the best kicking game in the code in the 1990s, Stuart switched to League from the Queanbeyan Whites RU club after representing the Wallabies on their tour of Argentina in 1987 (no Tests). After a slow start, Stuart came into his own as the major tactician in the Raiders' three consecutive grand final appearances (1989-91). His organisational ability, torpedo passes and pinpoint kicking game contributed to the club's premiership success in 1989-90. First runner-up in Dally M Player of the Year voting, Stuart's performance in the 1990 grand final against Penrith not only earned him the Clive Churchill Medal but secured a place on the Kangaroo tour. His form in the early matches saw him selected as five-eighth in the First Test at Wembley, but he regained the halfback position in the Second Test following Australia's shock loss. Stuart turned from villain to hero in the vital match when he took off like a startled rabbit on a 70m run resulting in the winning try to Mal Meninga. (Earlier, he had thrown an intercept pass that led to an unconverted try that tied the match.) Despite battling injuries, he played in all remaining Tests on tour. The 1991 grand final did not see him at his best (due to a groin tear) and he could not reproduce his great kicking game against the Panthers. Stuart played an important role in NSW's Origin success in 1992, but with Allan Langer in brilliant form he was left out of the Test sides. Stuart was selected in the World Cup squad at the end of 1992 and although he did not play in the final, Canberra's fortunes in 1993 rested very much in his hands. In the second last match of the season (ironically, the record-breaking 68-0 thrashing of P’matta), Stuart broke his leg and Canberra lacked the necessary organisation to make an impact in the semi-finals. The champion halfback won the covetted Gold Dally M - Rothmans Medal double that year, highlighting his value in the side. The year 1994 saw Stuart back to his very best, orchestrating NSW's third consecutive State of Origin success and spearheading Canberra's grand final victory. His good form at first was not enough to oust arch-rival Allan Langer from Australia's Test side against France, but following the First Test loss on the Kangaroo Tour, Stuart reclaimed his crown at the scrumbase. Stuart's role in Australia's subsequent Ashes win and the record 74-0 thrashing of France should have left no doubt as to who was the reigning champion halfback in the world. Prior to the start of the 1995 season he was afforded the honour of being named Canberra captain, but was then used as a pawn in the ARL's battle with Super League (his signing was symbolically crucial to the momentum of the breakaway movement). Staying with the Raiders, his rep career stalled because of the Super League war and a succession of injuries (not least of which was a life-threatening virus that sidelined him in the early part of 1998). Given the lengths Canberra went to retain its star players, it was strangely ironic that club Chief Executive Kevin Neil allowed Stuart and clubmate Bradley Clyde to leave the club at the end of 1998 to play with the Bulldogs. A recurring knee injury ended Stuart’s career in 2000, a less than fitting end to one of the most accomplished halves of the modern game. After taking the Bulldogs’ Jersey Flegg team to a grand final win in 2001, he was appointed Roosters first grade coach for 2002.