News 2025 canberra raiders coach ricky stuart comments acts of aggression punishments 20250525 p5m22x.html – Breaking News & Latest Updates 2026
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Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart warns of fine line of aggression ahead of Origin series opener

Alyssa Bone
Alyssa Bone

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Ricky Stuart has called for the league to stop disciplining acts of aggression after a fiery battle between the Warriors and the Raiders saw three players sent to the sin bin.

The Raiders produced an electric fight in Christchurch to down the hosts 16-10 in a match that included 17 penalties, 24 errors and four players placed on report.

With three of the four players on report wearing a green jersey in the match, Stuart will be set for a nervous wait for the results of the match review committee.

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The possible absence of Joseph Tapine was the most frequent question Stuart was asked post-match, with the skipper pinged for a crusher tackle and a shoulder charge.

While neither offence saw Tapine hit with time in the sin bin, Stuart recognised that the intense tone of the game was one his players were informed to expect.

Although, the star coach was quick to warn that such battles cannot occur if acts of aggression that were seen by those on the field on Sunday continue to be punished.

"We keep getting told this game is about entertainment and that was an entertaining game tonight, but you can't discipline aggression," Stuart said post-match.

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"Our game and our broadcasters promote aggression. We've got to be real careful that we don't scrutinise aggressive actions in the game that is moulded on real aggression and passion.

"On Wednesday night we've got one of the most special games in our calendar. The profile and the passion of Origin is through aggression.

Watch the 2025 State of Origin series exclusively live and free on Nine and 9Now.

Ricky Stuart, coach of the Canberra Raiders.

Ricky Stuart, coach of the Canberra Raiders. Getty

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"I'm not at all promoting foul play, I am against foul play. With the speed and intensity of our game, that's just part of it.

"When there is a penalty given (for foul play), I get that, that's fine. But don't go penalising - I don't mean out there (on the field) - don't go will-nilly bashing players for aggression because you need it in our game.

"We keep calling ourselves an entertaining game... well, aggression is a big part of it.

Watch the 2025 NRL premiership live and free on Nine and 9Now.

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The fine line between aggression and acts of foul play remains a topic coaches warn players about, however, Stuart does not believe his team overstepped the line.

"Not at all," he replied.

"We done a lot of hard work right through the game. You can talk about resilience and then sometimes you get thrown into a scenario where you have to show it.

"I've got a tough team and never once did I doubt them. I was just proud of every individual who displayed it."

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