Stuart calls for NRL support in battle with AFL and ACT government

Fairfax media reports that Raiders coach Ricky Stuart wants better NRL support in what he refers to as a football battleground of Canberra.

“What interested me on the weekend was witnessing the relationship the ACT Government has with the AFL hierarchy in pulling together and promoting the recent GWS fixture here in Canberra,” Stuart wrote.

“Unfortunately the Raiders don’t have this same luxury. Our peak body, the NRL, don’t have this type of relationship with the ACT Government and presently, do not offer financial incentives to help us continue developing rugby league here in the ACT/Southern NSW Region.  It’s mainly left up to our club and our members, which is why I thanked our loyal crowd on Sunday in my post match press conference.

“I can’t see why the Raiders don’t receive more direct support off the NRL to promote and develop the game here. The stadium sold out for semi-finals for the club in 2010 and 2012 and delivered a sold out test match between Australia and New Zealand in 2013, yet we still struggle to get traction and assistance from the game in what is a battleground for the code.”