Raiders coach Ricky Stuart cut a forlorn figure in the post-match press conference as he apologised to the club’s fans after their heavy 53-12 defeat to the Panthers at GIO Stadium.
Stuart wasn’t in much of a mood to answer questions on what was said to his side in the sheds after the game, preferring to keep that “in-house”.
Instead, he expressed his “disappointment” and forecasted he and the club were in for a “tough week”.
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“I’m sure a lot of fans and people out there would like to know what I’m thinking but it’s better that we keep it in house and work on it,” Stuart said.
“I can (put the performance down to something), and I’m not trying to disrespectful to you guys (media) and your questions but it’s just best to be left in the rooms and make some decisions in regards to how we fix it.
“I’m disappointed for all of our fans and it’s going to be a tough week to get through because they’ll be a lot of deserved criticism for all of us.
Salmon scores then sprays Stuart! | 00:41
“I apologise for that performance.”
Stuart also lamented the Raiders’ injury woes, responding when asked if changes would be made to the side next week: “we don’t have too many people to change.”
Raiders captain Elliott Whitehead labelled the performance as “not good enough” adding that there wasn’t anything positive to take away from the loss.
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“It was pretty embarrassing for us to be in the game at half-time and then get blown out the way we were,” Whitehead said.
“We didn’t want to be there for each other or defend and they (Panthers) ended up getting a good roll on.
“We let ourselves down in the second half.”
The Raiders will have their task cut out for them next weekend as they attempt to salvage their season against the red-hot Broncos at Suncorp Stadium on Saturday.
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