Canberra coach Ricky Stuart issued an apology to supporters after his side sunk to a 53-12 loss to Penrith.
And he had salt rubbed into the wounds on the final play of the game when Jaeman Salmon scored a try and then directed a pointed sledge towards the opposition coaches box.
The Raiders were run over at GIO Stadium as the two-time reigning premiers streaked away in a dominant second half and the scoreline got ugly.
READ MORE: Bennett reveals massive payday awaiting Wighton
READ MORE: NRL star faces $500k cut as shock suitor named
READ MORE: NRL whacks Eels star for ugly Tedesco shot
The lime green side has only won once this season, and sit marginally above the winless Wests Tigers on the competition table.
Speaking to media after Friday’s heavy defeat, Stuart cut a dejected figure.
“It doesn’t matter who we play if we play like that,” he said.
“The second half was unacceptable.
“I’m sure a lot of fans, and people out there, would like to know exactly what I’m thinking, but it’s better we keep it in-house and work on it.
“I’m disappointed for all our fans. It’s going to be a tough week to get through that, because there will be a lot of deserved criticism.
Stream the NRL premiership 2023 live and free on 9Now
“I apologise for that performance.”
Stuart was asked what his message to the players was post-game, but he refused to divulge it.
NRL Highlights: Raiders v Panthers – Round 5
“That’s just between us. Yeah I can (find a reason), and that’s what we spoke about,” he said.
“I’m not trying to be disrespectful to you guys… but some of that stuff is best left in the rooms there.
“We’ll make some decisions in regards to how we fix it.”
The Salmon try in the final minute of the game was the cherry on top for Penrith.
Last year Salmon was labelled a “weak gutted dog” by Stuart in an extraordinary press conference that landed the Raiders coach a one-game ban and $25,000 fine.
After Salmon planted the ball down over the line he jumped to his feet and clearly yelled the words, “weak gutted dog”, as his teammates leapt on him in celebration.
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary was asked about the Salmon moment.
“Good karma – that’s how I’d describe that,” Cleary said with a smirk.
The Raiders head to Brisbane next week to face the Broncos, while Penrith hosts Manly.
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
