Penrith coach Ivan Cleary threw his support behind the one-week suspension for Canberra Raiders mentor Ricky Stuart after his post-match verbal attack on Panther Jaeman Salmon, declaring the NRL handled the situation “pretty well”.
Stuart has been banned from all coaching duties, including any interaction with his players, for a week and personally fined $25,000 for calling Salmon a “weak-gutted dog” after the Panthers’ win over the Raiders last weekend.
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Salmon kicked Raider Tom Starling in the groin during the game, for which he was fined $1000, sparking the reaction from Stuart who subsequently apologised.
Cleary said Salmon and his family had been “rattled” and the NRL’s punishment for Stuart was sufficient as he became the first coach banned for post-match comments.
“As a club, we support the NRL,” Cleary said.
“It’s been handled pretty well by the NRL. I think (the penalty) is fair.
“We’ve been sticking close to Jaeman this week and hopefully he and everyone else can move on.”
Salmon, who will again start as Penrith five-eighth in a blockbuster showdown with Melbourne at home on Thursday night, is yet to speak publicly on the issue.
But Cleary said the week’s drama wouldn’t impact Salmon’s performance and he had been in better spirits at training after being taken aback by Stuart’s outburst.
“He was a bit rattled on the night,” Cleary said.
“He was also a bit concerned about his family. They were quite upset, so I guess when that happens, it brings it to another level.
“But this week he’s seemed OK… He’s shown he’s pretty strong-minded.
“He’s a really popular member of the team on and off the field. We love him.
“We certainly thought it was best if he just kept his head down and just let it blow over and got on with his footy.
“It’s a really important game for him and the club tomorrow night.”
Penrith can seal a second minor premiership in three seasons with victory over the Storm.
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