If I read another Ricky Stuart ‘love story’ I will vomit! I asked a journalist at Fairfax who I respect why we only ever read ‘suck up’ stories about Ricky?
He told me that he thinks he is over-rated but gave me no answers regarding the amazingly unbalanced journalism in the NSW media.
As a consumer, I am happy to read all the positive things about Ricky but at the end of the day the judge pays out on the number in the frame, and all we request is some balanced reporting.
The cold hard facts that the mainstream media are adverse to publish are stark and real.
Ricky Stuart has been sacked from his previous three coaching jobs and left his last two clubs, the Roosters and the Sharks in tatters.
Ricky Stuart Origin coaching record (* with Andrew Johns at halfback):
2005 – Game 1: Loss, Game 2: Win*, Game 3: Win*
2011 – Game 1: Loss, Game 2: Win, Game 3: Loss
2012 – Game 1: Loss, Game 2: Win, Game 3: Loss
Total: Games nine, wins four, losses five.
He has now won only two games from the last six (33%), the same record that Graham Murray had (2006-2007) before he was sacked. Craig Bellamy (2008-2010) is regarded as a far superior coach to Stuart and he was sacked after only two wins from nine games.
Who cares if the players love their coach? They loved Bellamy also and you would never find a more passionate coach. Who cares if he has promoted the game well? If he is so good at developing a product then put him in marketing, but a coach should be rated on his winning record.
The Roosters and the Sharks only won 25% of their games in their last two years under Ricky so why are the media trying to get him a job with an NRL club by saying he is hot property?
There is no room for bias or passion when rating a rugby league game, player or coach. We deal in raw facts and they are very clear in the Stuart file.
Flash, a respected rugby league risk analyst who is in charge millions of dollars in wagers for a leading online bookie told me this week that when he is rating a team that is coached by Ricky Stuart it is a minus: “I would not want to be on a reserve grade kindergarten team that he (Stuart) coached”, Flash said from his trading floor.
The player selection and the tactics employed by NSW over the last two years have been shocking. The Blues would have won game one last year and the series had Stuart not got so many key selections horribly wrong.
This year looked to be no different but with the injury to Danny Buderus, NSW finally got the best qualified hooker in Robbie Farah and somebody must have nudged Ricky to put Brett Stewart in for Anthony Minichiello who was embarrassing last year.
Anybody that is a student of the game and studies the analytics would know that Farah and Kiwi Isaac Luke are clearly the next best hookers behind Cam Smith, but somehow the NSW coach preferred Dean Young, Michael Ennis and Danny Buderus at age 34.
What about last Wednesday night’s big deciding game?
This was a game that history tells you a team has to score, or be equipped to score, more than 22 points if you hope to win. Luke Lewis is one of the world’s best forwards who plays for 80 minutes and is a nightmare for any defence, but Stuart waited 46 minutes before he brought him on to replace the defensive Beau Scott, who did nothing in attack but managed to miss three tackles, one which led to a Maroon try.
You can see in the link to my story above that I requested Brett Morris should come on to the left wing and Hayne to switch to the right wing after game one. Stuart waited until game three to make that obvious move and we saw how good Brett was. He has been the best left wing in the world now for several years despite the fact that he plays fullback for his club.
Probably the most important and disappointing aspect of the Blues preparation was the lack of improvement in the six and seven. Todd Carney made only one run for a gain of seven metres and Mitch Pearce made three runs for 22 metres. Both halves missed eight tackles each.
Todd Carney told the cameras how much he loved being coached by Ricky Stuart, but the fact is he went backwards and will be very lucky to claim another Blue jersey again.
Given that the Blues have found a genuine leader and skilled organiser in Robbie Farah, even if by default, they can probably get away with not having your typical number seven who would normally run the team.
There is now a very good argument for 2013 that the Newcastle Knights pairing of Kurt Gidley and Jarrod Mullen could work very well with Farah and cause the Maroons some real problems.
Then again, if Ricky is still there, he may want to have all the Knights and include Danny Buderus at 35.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
mememe To be honest I dont care about that and I cannot knock him even though he handled it all with no class, my only gripe is that he is just a very ordinary coach with an ordinary record and the NSW media make him out to be god.
Danno1
Guest
Not on drugs Scott, but a keen student of the game. It is undeniable the Stuart achieved more as a coach than his immediate predecessors at both the Sharks and the Roosters. He also achieved more than his immediate successors at both clubs (so far in the Sharks case). He has achieved more than his immediate predecessor in his current SOO stint. He has won a premiership and a SOO series as a coach, this puts him in a very small bracket of coaches. This is probably what buys him extra support in the media. Of other coaches, plenty of very good coaches have left clubs in a mess after they have left. I can think of Warren Ryan and the Bulldogs, Phil Gould at the Bulldogs and Penrith, Tim Sheens at Canberra, John Monie at Parramatta, we could now throw Wayne Bennet at St George into the mix. Coaches get employed to win competitions, if they do that they are successful. Sometimes after they are successful they encounter problems with ageing player rosters, over confident management, fall out dealing with egos, often they get shafted themselves. Leaving a club when they are going poorly or are no longer good is not exclusive to Ricky Stuart and does not necessarily reflect on his ability as a coach. I also agree I would not like to be a halfback coached by Stuart, they seem to go off like Spinal Tap drummers, however the development of players is also not a deficiency of Stuart's alone. I remember Jim Dymock and Darren Britt being limited forwards at Wests under Warren Ryan, and within a season at the Bulldogs they blossomed into talented ball players. I find that for someone who prides themselves on statistics and evidence your faith in Gidley and Mullen is touching.
Big_Marn2000
Roar Pro
With all due respect, the Ben Creagh injury had everything to do with Luke Lewis not coming on till the 46th minute. The interchange that Stuart would have used to get Lewis on the field was instead used to get Creagh off and get Tamou back on. I'm not turning a blind eye to Ricky's use of the bench this year. I believe he could've made better use of his bench this year. Obviously in hindsight it was a mistake to select Jamie Buhrer in game 1. But can you really blame Ricky for not having complete faith in Robbie Farah given his past performances at Origin level? I also disagree with Ricky's decision to replace Glenn Stewart with Beau Scott, who offers nothing in attack and who hasn't been in any kind of decent form for the Dragons this year. It's also puzzling because Beau Scott's inclusion ultimately came at the expense of teammate Trent Merrin, who has been by far the Dragons' best and most consistent player this year. While I would have started Luke Lewis in game 3 and kept Trent Merrin in the 17, I can understand the logic behind Beau Scott's inclusion as he is a specialist right-edge player, not to mention that Lewis's best Origin performances have been from the bench. In terms of possible halves combinations, Gidley and Mullen I believe are way down the list. Gidley is a bench utility at rep level (the best in the game) and I think that Mullen simply doesn't offer anything that Pearce and Carney don't offer. It's hard to say at this stage whether or not changes need to be made for next year. I think if changes are to be made then Soward has to come in for Pearce. I think Soward's kicking game and his ability to direct a team would take a lot of pressure off both Carney and Farah, allowing them to create try-scoring opportunities. One last thing. You mentioned Wade Graham as a possible candidate for the bench utility role next year. Obviously Kurt Gidley would ordinarily be a candidate as well. But with Robbie Farah's ability to play 80 minutes of Origin footy (not just be on the field for 80 minutes, but actually give his all for 80 minutes), do NSW really need a bench utility? NSW have an incredibly versatile team. I mean Paul Gallen and Ben Creagh can both cover any front row injuries. Luke Lewis made his Origin debut on the wing and spent a season at halfback for the Panthers. I'm sure he could also play center, five-eighth and hooker at a pinch. Greg Bird can also play five-eighth (he won his first Origin man of the match at five-eighth) and hooker. Hayne and Brett Morris can both play fullback and T-Rex can also play wing and center (and if you saw his effort against the Roosters in his comeback game, he can probably also cover at five-eighth). Obviously with Michael Ennis at hooker, Kurt Gidley's role as a utility was absolutely vital. But with Farah there, having Gidley in the team would be a waste of a bench spot (and just so we're clear, I'm not one of the many Gidley haters out there). As such, I think Gidley has quite possibly played his last Origin.
mememe
Guest
scott, after abusing the referee after that international ricky stuart should have been banished for life. what sort of an example is that?
MemberforDobell/PLANKO
Guest
The 10 million dollar Manly Sea Eagles will be buying Thurston and Folau. HAHA I... I think it will take more than those 2 to turn it around however I think Melbourne are high lighting with there current form that Cronk is good but no Johns. I think Thurston would be crazy to move for money. I understand him moving especially if he wants a challenge or his FNQ Cowboys don't win this year and start poorly next year as he would like to win another NRL Competition. I dont think moving to a Penrith will achieve this I think he could get similar money at a stronger club to what he gets a FNQ and he will not risk his legacy. A move to Penrith could hurt how people remember you... I am sure this affected C Cronk in his decision to stay at Melbourne. I am sure that the really big Marquee players can get a guarantee from their clubs owners or even the new ARLC ?
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Gareth The guys that were running Penrith should be locked up. Gould has inherited a nightmare but I dont understand why he has upset Lewis when he gets 200k compo for him. All will be forgiven if they get Thurston and Israel Folau.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Planko The one big distinction between the 2 teams is J. Thurston. It was the same when Joey Johns played. Thurston is the only player to be in all of the games and he is the only one who they cant replace. As good as Smith, Slater and Inglis are they can be replaced. They have no one like Thurston, he gets them home when it is needed and that is what you expect from the best in the world. I have no mail on Lewis only that NSW wasted his talent and Penrith are idiots.
Gareth
Guest
I'm pretty confident that Luke Lewis' "off field problem" is Phil Gould. He has the luxury of being able to walk away and have 15 clubs interested in him - chances are he'll end up on a better deal than what he had at the Panthers. Guys like Michael Jennings are probably just as keen to get away from Penrith, but he's just not going to get anything close to the reported $600k-$700k he's getting, because that deal could only have been made by a crazy person, or someone who has trouble counting zeroes.
MemberforDobell/PLANKO
Guest
Another good article Scott you definitely got some heated debate but I can't agree that QLD deserved to win. But I will concede one thing but it is the reason why I can't understand why there has been 7 in row won by either team. The vast majority of games are won by so little and they almost all have had distinct moments where momentum has been turned. I just feel these momentum turning moments and 50/50 calls have leaned in QLD's favour. They have deserved to win probably 4 or 5 of the last 7 but not all. I also think Melbourne/Cam Smith are in for world of hurt if they clamp down on forward/marginal passes. He has been the master of the play and the reason why all the other clubs have gone down this path of marginal passes. Luke Lewis do you think there has been a "off field problem" like a team mate WAG SHAG or just getting on the turps. I don't know but the sheer boredom is getting these kids into trouble. Most of them are still kids after all the crap I used to get up to my early 20's.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Danno I speak to Flash regularly. We often bounce opinions. I dont know what he thinks of Brian but I do think he would be great as an origin coach. He is very good at setting up infrastructures but he seems to wear thin with his players after a while, but that would not be an issue at Origin. ps Flash will get his info at ChampionProfits.com.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Big Marn Mate you must try and be objective. Qld rated between 2 to 3 tries a better team than NSW in game 3. Forget about the try, the best side won and justice was won. If you dont think that then you dont read footy very well and pls never have a bet. I made the point earlier, there is not much around in the halves. Sadly Mitchell has never improved since he became 20. He is just a good club number 7 and thats all. Todd has the class and ability but he just cannot fire on the big stage. he is like a rabbit in head lights, maybe that will change but Ricky certainly cannot get the best out of him. I mentioned Gids and Mullo only because I think they would work well with Farah as he will control the game like Cam Smith and will kick tactically. NSW need their halves to run and Gids and Mullo would test the line. Wade Graham is a no brainer next year to play off the bench as the utility as he can play in every position, but this will mean that Gidley will have to be the 7 or 6 or he will not get in. Just what Ricky needs, another back rower. Ben Creagh getting injured had nothing to do with Ricky waiting 46 mins before he played Luke Lewis. Firstly not having any props on the bench was just plain dumb. Lewis is world class and can play 80 mins easily. Ricky had no bench props and still only played Tim Grant for 30 mins. He has got his bench wrong throughout the series but I am sure people like you will turn a blind eye. Appreciate your input BM.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Josh You have read me wrongly. Nothing I have written is incorrect and you can paint a pretty picture if you like but Ricky's last 2 years at the Roosters and the Sharks was 25% and not only is that terrible but when he was pushed out of both clubs he left them in tatters. How can you dispute this? Ricky seems a fine family man and I wish him well and hope he wins the SOO next year. My key point is 99% of everything I have read in the NSW press is biased towards him and negative to Mal who has just won 7 series. I can tell you that the people who are measured in REAL $s and make a living by rating coaches, players and teams do NOT rate Ricky highly. I do not know of a professional who thinks that he is a top class coach and I know many. Josh, I will just repeat to you that all my facts are correct and if you cannot comprehend them then you have a hidden agenda, I do not. I simply would like some balance from our journos.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
Danno Thanks. I have never met Ricky and I dont dislike him, I cannot afford to allow emotions to cloud my judgement. We dont have the time or space here to list all the duds Ricky has purchased and never made it and also all the good players who went to other clubs and went great. Vetry few players improve under him.. Danno, you are on drugs if you never saw the mess he left the Roosters and the Sharks in. OK, I dont think Gidley is a halfback but like Ncle, he would suit the Blues providing Farah was running the team like he does at the Tigers. That would allow Gids to just be a runner and the same for Mullens. They are both dangerous when they take on the line. Mullens would have a better combination with Gids than Carney and he is a much better tactical kicker who hits the grass more than any other kicker which is important when Slater is the fullback. If Reynolds keeps on improving he would be considered and the Raiders have a great kid in the under 20s you will be great down the track but there is not much there really.
ScottWoodward.me
Roar Guru
josh He was sanctioned for calling a guy a black C???? and he was not going 200m per game then. Clearly has some yummy new vitamins. I do agree with you that NO coach should be selecting as they are biased.
Big_Marn2000
Roar Pro
You say you want unbiased reporting? Is that what you call unbiased reporting? You clearly have some kind of agenda against Ricky. Otherwise why would you put an * next to all his victories with Joey in the team? You can't discount a State of Origin victory just because there was an absolute superstar in the team. If you did, Fatty Vautin's 1995 no-names would be the only team to ever win an Origin Series. You want to talk about the 'cold, hard facts'? How about the fact that Ricky inherited a team that had no captain (Trent Barrett had retired), and that had lost 5 series in a row, including a 3-0 whitewash the year before in 2010. Now think about how far that team has come. Last year we came within 1 game of winning, and this year we almost overcame the GI Joke in game 1 and the Hodges try in game 3, and came within 1 point of winning. And btw, that Hodges try was ridiculous. I know it's already been discussed above (someone pointed out the 'cold hard facts' that you love so much and you just chose to ignore them because it was convenient for your argument) but I'll bring it up again. The Maroons run this play all the time, where Hodges runs the openside and passes to Thurston. Naturally, Ricky Stuart noticed this and prepared his players well for it. You don't think they were prepared for it? Then why did Todd Carney rush up on Thurston, forcing Hodges to run behind Ben Hannant. Also, why are you blaming Ricky for the fact that Luke Lewis wasn't used until the 45th minute? Were you too busy being a "student of the game" to notice that when Ben Creagh got injured Ricky had to reshuffle his whole interchange plan for the game, and bring James Tamou on to replace Creagh. One of the forwards was always going to get less game time because Ricky had one less interchange at his disposal, and it wasn't going to be Beau Scott because he was already on the field. I agree with you on one point though: the halves aren't up to scratch. But let me ask you this. Who is Ricky going to pick instead? Wallace? Soward? Mullen? Maloney? Please! When replacing a player in such a key position as halfback or five-eighth, you must be at least 90% sure that the replacement will do a better job than the incumbent. These 4 guys have shown nothing at club level. on a consistent basis, which indicates that they would do a better job than Pearce and Carney. Obviously Wallace's form leading up to City v Country was the best he's ever played, but he was unfortunately injured, and since returning from injury he hasn't been anywhere close to his best. Soward has also been good in patches for the Dragons. In his last 4 games for the Dragons, his kicking game as been exquisite. I believe there are 2 things he needs to do to earn a recall. Firstly, run the ball more often. He's one of the best ball running five-eighths in the NRL when he wants to be. Secondly, he needs to stamp his authority on the Dragons side, and become the dominant half that they need him to be. However, with Hornby as his halves partner, that's much easier said than done. I believe making Kyle Stanley Soward's halves partner at club level (doesn't really matter which one plays 6 and which one plays 7 because St George predominantly play left side, right side rather than halfback and five eighth) will allow Soward come into his own, which will greatly help his Origin chances (as well as the Dragons' premiership chances). Maloney, while solid, has been well below his best this year. And Jarrod Mullen has just been plain bad this year in a side which has also been plain bad this year. Apart from those 4 guys, the only halves options that come to mind are the two Reynolds's, both of whom are too young for Origin at the present time. Both are in great form, and both will represent the Blues in the future. But I wouldn't even consider them for Blues selection ahead of Pearce or Carney at the moment.
josh
Guest
Bellamy, in his infinite wisdom, continuously overlooked Gallen who was playing as well between '08 and '10 as he is now.
Danno1
Guest
Now that Josh, is an eloquent response!!! Will Scott advise us on what Flash recommends of Brian Smith coached teams? I really want to know. PS Scott any other Flash related insiders tips would be much appreciated, feel free to let us all know, by midday Friday. Ta :-)
josh
Guest
You might be right, you might be wrong, but Stuart built the 2008 Cronulla side, it had little to nothing to do with Raper or Anderson.
josh
Guest
They appear to me to be selective facts...
josh
Guest
It appears to me he's been getting it a lot more right than his predecessor.