Raiders' defensive grit trumps attacking flair to reach NRL grand final | Matt Cleary

Canberra’s credentials going forward have made them many fans’ second team, but there is a new string to their bowRicky Stuart does not feature in most conversations for NRL coach of the year, apparently because Des Hasler took Manly from second-last to sixth on the ladder and Brad Arthur oversaw Parramatta’s rise from a wooden spoon to fifth. Yet for Stuart to forge defensive and mental steel into a club that once did not possess those assets is perhaps the greater achievement.Stuart has brought the best out in a group of players from disparate cultures, and moulded a team that beat minor premiers Melbourne Storm twice at AAMI Park, and on Friday bested South Sydney Rabbitohs 16-10 in Canberra. Stuart resonates the right mix of kindly fun uncle and gruff disciplinarian. His players have bought in and will now play in the club’s first grand final in 25 years – when Stuart was halfback. Related: Canberra Raiders end 25-year wait to reach NRL grand final with victory over Rabbitohs Related: Roosters book a place in NRL grand final after defeating Storm Continue readingread full article

Source: TheGuardian

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