Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has branded stand-in Panthers five-eighth Jaeman Salmon a “weak-gutted dog” after his kick on Tom Starling.
Despite their pledge to “ambush” the reigning premiers, the Raiders never got close, with Salmon scoring one of the Panthers’ four tries in the 26-6 win.
Following his side’s loss, which could see them miss the finals, Stuart was asked about a number of incidents in the match, including a bump which saw Joseph Tapine injured, but took aim at Salmon, who was placed on report for the kick.
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“The James Fisher-Harris and Joe Tapine tackles are accidents and in this collision game I understand that,” an incensed Stuart told reporters.
“But where Salmon kicked Tommy (Starling), it ain’t on.
“I have had history with that kid (Salmon). I know that kid very well.
“He was a weak-gutted dog as a kid and he hasn’t changed now. He is a weak-gutted dog person now.”
Panthers coach Ivan Cleary refused to engage the verbal warfare with Stuart, but said he was adamant the kick on Starling was accidental from Salmon.
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“I can’t imagine Jaeman would have deliberately done that, but I honestly didn’t see it.
“I don’t think I need to respond to those (Stuart’s) comments. I know what Jaeman is like and he is valuable in our club and we love him, so that is all that matters to us.”
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