Ricky Stuart will enter an exclusive club in Round 8 when he takes charge of the Canberra Raiders for their clash against Cronulla.
In doing so, Stuart will chalk up 500 games as a head coach in the NRL, which will make him just the fifth man to achieve the feat in the competition’s history.
“Ricky has gone on to become one of the game’s longest serving and a premiership-winning coach after an outstanding playing career, and he now joins a very short list of NRL coaches who have reached 500 matches,” Australian Rugby League Commission Chairman Peter V’landys said.
“As a coach he applies the same traits that made him such a brilliant player and leader on the field.
“We all see the ferocious competitor and the passion Ricky has, but that also comes with a genuine care for the game and for his players and his record is testament to his ability to get the most out of his teams.”
Two other mentors currently still working rank in the list alongside Stuart with Wayne Bennett and Craig Bellamy also bringing up the milestone of 500 games.
STORY BY – MARK MOLYNEUX (THE SPORTING NEWS)