Raiders coach Ricky Stuart is reportedly “not backing down” from his controversial comments labeling Panthers playmaker Jaeman Salmon and “weak gutted dog.”
Stuart’s stunning spray came after Salmon lashed out with his boot, kicking Tom Starling in the 60th minute.
“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well,” Stuart said in the post-match press conference.
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“He was a weak gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak gutted dog person now.”
According to Channel 9’s Danny Weidler, Stuart will not be “backing down from his comments”.
While the NRL’s course of action currently remains unclear, the competition could fully explore the sensational post-match interview remarks.
Meanwhile, according to the SMH, Salmon will seek legal advice, potentially considering defamation charges.
Salmon was reportedly keen to speak to the media after he learned of the comments, but the Panthers advised the 23-year-old to remain quiet.
NRL supremo Phil Gould revealed there is history between the pair, explaining Stuart is “going to have a very good reason”.
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“When Ricky said he’s known this kid for a while, he has,” Gould said on Nine’s NRL coverage.
“Certainly Ricky on reflection saying he’s not apologizing and he’s standing for what he said is rather extraordinary because I’ve never heard a coach say anything like that at a press conference.
“Ricky’s going to have to have very good reason and I don’t know how he substantiates that … I think Jaeman Salmon would have action against him for remarks like that.”
Gould also explained that Salmon’s kick on Starling could have happened to any player at any time.
“That can happen to anyone at any time,” Gould said.
“That’s not an uncommon occurrence. His foot was caught between his legs as they’re getting up and he was trying to get his foot out of there.
Stuart has a history of copping fine’s for post-match interview comments and has racked up over $120,000 in monetary penalties over his 21-year coaching career.
The 55-year-old was handed a $20,000 fine in 2015 for walking out on a press conference and refusing to speak to the media.
A year earlier in 2014, he was slapped with a $10,000 fine for slamming referees as “s**t” and “laughable” in a loss to the Panthers.
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