BREAKING NEWS: Canberra Ralders former head coach Tim sheens who is currently serving in the role of air Contributor and brands ambassador for good karma ESPN Madison WTLX sent a stunning message to the head coach Ricky Stuart Concerning his…..see more

In a surprising development that has shaken the Australian rugby league community, Tim Sheens, the legendary former head coach of the Canberra Raiders, has sent a powerful and unexpected message to current Raiders head coach Ricky Stuart, addressing what sources are calling “deep-seated issues” within the club’s structure and performance ethos.

Sheens, who now serves as a contributor and brand ambassador for Good Karma ESPN Madison WTLX, made the remarks during a live segment early Saturday morning, sparking immediate reactions from fans and former players alike.

“There comes a time when passion must be matched with adaptability,” Sheens said cryptically, before directly mentioning Stuart. “Ricky has always had the fire, but this team needs more than just fire—it needs fresh systems, trust in youth, and a willingness to evolve.”
The message, though respectful, was unmistakably critical of the current direction of the Raiders under Stuart’s leadership. While the team has shown flashes of brilliance this season, inconsistency and internal reports of locker room unrest have cast a shadow over their 2025 campaign.

A Longstanding Relationship
Sheens and Stuart share a deep history—both having contributed significantly to the Raiders’ golden era in the late ’80s and early ’90s. Sheens coached the club to their first premiership in 1989 and later oversaw some of the finest talents the league has ever seen.

Stuart, a former halfback under Sheens’ leadership, has often credited the veteran coach as a key influence in his coaching career. That history adds weight—and sting—to Sheens’ remarks.

Stirring Debate Across the League
The reaction was swift. Former players and commentators lit up social media platforms, debating whether Sheens was out of line or simply voicing what many around the league have been whispering.

NRL analyst and former player Cooper Cronk said on Fox League,

“You don’t expect that kind of message to go public unless something serious is bubbling beneath the surface. If Tim Sheens is speaking out, Ricky has to listen.”
Fans, too, are split. Some believe Sheens is advocating for much-needed reform, while others feel his comments were ill-timed with the Raiders still fighting for a playoff spot.

What’s Next?
The Raiders’ front office has yet to issue a statement regarding Sheens’ comments, but internal sources say a review of coaching operations is already underway. Whether or not Sheens’ remarks influence Stuart’s strategies—or even his future with the club—remains to be seen.

One thing is certain: the rugby league world will be watching the next few weeks very closely.

Developing Story — Stay tuned to ESPN Madison WTLX and our affiliates for live updates.