“It’s a strange one. I’ve never heard the term before, but I won’t let it get to me,” Salmon said of being referred to as a “weak-gutted dog”.
“I’m not worried about hearing that term. I’m only focused on the game this week.
Jaeman Salmon at Penrith’s open grand final training session on Tuesday.Credit:Getty
“I heard about it at the game. What Rick said is up to him.
“It has nothing to do with his autistic daughter. I won’t comment on what happened.”
The Herald reported at the time Salmon was weighing up his legal options, and he confirmed as much at the Panthers’ media day on Tuesday. There was a suggestion Salmon had an issue with two of Stuart’s three children when Stuart lived in the Shire.
As for pursuing legal action, Salmon said: “Definitely, there could be some stuff in the works still.
Canberra coach Ricky Stuart blasted Salmon after a match early last monthCredit:Getty
“I’m not sure. I can’t really comment on anything, and I won’t.
“It [the term] has caught on a bit. I’ve been copping it a bit at games. But I’m not focused on that. I’m only focused on the game this week. Everyone has been good [in terms of support].”
Stuart’s daughter Emma is autistic and his work with the Ricky Stuart Foundation and supporting families and friends living with the neurodiverse matches anything the coach has achieved in rugby league.
After Canberra were bundled out in week two of the finals by the Eels, Salmon gets a chance to win a premiership ring against Parramatta, where he spent three seasons before being cut loose by coach Brad Arthur.
“Two years ago when I signed at Penrith, I wouldn’t have believed I’d be lacing up the boots for a grand final,” Salmon said.
“There’s a great bunch of boys here. They’re used to playing in grand finals now. It’s just an amazing feeling.”
“I was at Parra three years and it didn’t work out. I played a few positions there, just like I do here. I enjoyed my time there a lot.
“Brad is a great fella, I had a lot to do with him. Parra have been up there the last few years.
“The back end of my third season there he would have told me they weren’t re-signing me. I knew that. It wasn’t a shock. But Brad is good like that. He tells you how it is.
“Ivan [Cleary] is very calm, he has a relaxed coaching style and he’s been great for me since I’ve got here.”
Salmon has a two-year extension on the table from Penrith he is yet to take up, while he has been linked to a move to Canterbury where Penrith assistant Cameron Ciraldo will take the reins next year.
