Ricky Stuart issues stern message to young winger following odd showboating before try

Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been lauded for his “exceptional coaching” after delivering a stern message to winger Savelio Tamale, who made the unusual decision to stop just short of scoring a try for his team.

With 11 minutes remaining in the first half and the Raiders leading 6-4, a loose ball on the halfway line fell to the ground. Tamale seized the opportunity, picking it up and sprinting towards the try line.

Though he was clearly faster than the defence, Tamale inexplicably halted just before reaching the line, where he was tackled by Cody Walker. Despite managing to ground the ball, he received an earful from Walker, who, in frustration, punched the ball away.

“What on earth was he thinking?” Fox League commentator Matt Russell remarked about Tamale’s actions.

“If there’s no injury, how can you rationalise that?”

Stuart, who was coaching from the sidelines, quickly summoned Tamale over for a frank discussion.

“He definitely has some pace, that’s for sure… it was valuable feedback from the coach,” commented Jared Waerea-Hargreaves at half-time.

Cooper Cronk also commended Stuart’s “outstanding coaching,” labelling Tamale’s show of flair as “showboating.”

The Raiders’ first half dominance continued unabated in Perth, as Kaeo Weekes and Hudson Young added further points to extend the lead to 24-4 at the break.

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South Sydney likely received a characteristically motivating halftime speech from Wayne Bennett as Cody Walker, Jamie Humphreys, and Latrell Mitchell all crossed the line to close the gap to 24-22 by the 57th minute.

The Raiders attempted to quell the Rabbitohs’ resurgence with tries from Weekes and Ethan Strange; however, the match continued to oscillate, with Alex Johnston and Jack Wighton scoring to set up a nail-biting finish at 36-34 in favour of Canberra.

The drama didn’t end there, as in the dying moments of the game, Mitchell kicked towards Johnston in the corner, but the winger couldn’t secure a clean take to grant the Raiders a critical victory.

Additionally, the Rabbitohs faced a setback with Jye Gray leaving the field in the first half due to an AC joint injury, and he was later seen with his arm in a sling after the match.