Canberra Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, and now he's taken aim at television broadcasters over a matchday practice that he claims ruins the viewing experience for fans.
The fiery NRL mentor revealed his pet peeve during a recent interview, expressing frustration at how broadcasters frequently cut to coaches in the box during crucial moments of play.
'It's Infuriating' - Stuart's Broadcast Frustration
'What really drives me mad is when they show the coaches instead of the action,' Stuart explained. 'Fans want to see what's happening on the field, not my reaction to it.'
The veteran coach argued that this broadcasting habit disrupts the flow of the game and denies viewers key moments. 'There's nothing more frustrating than missing a big hit or brilliant play because the director decided to show me scratching my head in the box,' he added.
Broadcasters Defend Their Approach
While Stuart's comments have sparked debate among fans, television producers maintain that showing coaches' reactions adds drama and human interest to their coverage. 'We're telling a story, not just showing a game,' one anonymous broadcaster commented.
However, Stuart remains unconvinced: 'I understand they want to build narratives, but the real story is always on the field. That's what people pay to see.'
Fan Reaction Mixed
The rugby league community appears divided on the issue. Some supporters agree with Stuart, while others enjoy seeing the emotional sideline moments.
- Pro-Stuart camp: 'He's absolutely right - show us the game!'
- Opposing view: 'The coaches are part of the drama - their reactions matter.'
As the debate continues, one thing is certain: Ricky Stuart won't stop fighting for what he believes makes better viewing for NRL fans.
