“I will not tolerate this any longer. If you don’t have the guts to fight, pack your things and leave immediately.”

Those explosive words reportedly echoed through the Canberra Raiders locker room in a fiery confrontation that has sent shockwaves through the NRL. Head coach Ricky Stuart, known for his no-nonsense approach and passion for the Green Machine, is said to have reached breaking point after another disappointing performance. With the team languishing near the bottom of the 2026 NRL ladder, Stuart is preparing a major overhaul ahead of the crucial clash against the South Sydney Rabbitohs.

Sources close to the club reveal that the Raiders have already identified four players who are no longer central to Stuart’s rebuilding plans. These four have been the biggest underperformers from the start of the season, consistently letting the team down with poor form, defensive lapses, and a lack of intensity. They are expected to be benched or shifted to the reserves as the coach looks to inject fresh energy and fight into the side for the upcoming matches, starting with the Rabbitohs encounter.

Here are the four players said to be on their way out — at least in the short term — due to their underwhelming contributions so far in 2026:

1. Savelio Tamale (Winger)

Tamale has struggled mightily since the opening rounds. Expected to provide spark on the edge with his speed and finishing ability, the winger has instead been guilty of multiple defensive errors, including missed tackles and poor positioning that have led to easy tries for opponents. His sin-bin in a recent match highlighted his discipline issues, and his attacking output has been minimal despite opportunities created by the spine. Fans and analysts alike have pointed to his inability to “stand up” in big moments, something Stuart demands from every player in Green.

2. Chevy Stewart (Fullback)

Once seen as a promising young talent, Stewart’s form has dipped alarmingly in 2026. Handling errors, poor decision-making under the high ball, and a lack of defensive solidity have plagued his game. The fullback role requires reliability and composure, but Stewart has looked shaky, contributing to the Raiders’ leaky defence that has conceded far too many points early in the season. His off-field distractions haven’t helped, and Stuart is reportedly looking for more maturity and fight from the backline general.

3. Ethan Sanders (Halfback)

As one of the young halves tasked with steering the team, Sanders has shown flashes of promise but has been inconsistent at best. His kicking game has been patchy, and he has struggled to control the tempo against stronger packs. Combined with some poor defensive reads, Sanders’ performances have left the Raiders attack looking disjointed and the defence vulnerable. While patience has been urged with the young spine, Stuart’s patience appears to have run out amid the team’s slide down the ladder.

4. Ata Mariota (Prop/Forward)

Mariota was brought in to add grunt to the forward pack, but his impact has been negligible. Lacking the physical dominance expected in the middle, he has been dominated in the ruck and struggled with completion rates. His limited metres gained and high error count have made him a target for criticism, with the Raiders’ forward rotations looking ineffective as a result. In a rebuilding phase where every forward must punch above their weight, Mariota’s underwhelming displays have reportedly frustrated the coaching staff.

The heated locker room confrontation and Stuart’s ultimatum

The reported confrontation came after yet another loss that dropped the Raiders to near the foot of the table (sitting 15th or 16th with just 1-2 wins from their opening games). Stuart, who guided the team to the minor premiership the previous season, is said to have unleashed on the playing group, demanding accountability and intensity.

“I will not tolerate this any longer,” he reportedly told the squad. “If you don’t have the guts to fight, pack your things and leave immediately.”

This fiery speech reflects Stuart’s trademark style — tough love mixed with genuine care for the club’s culture. The veteran coach has always built teams on resilience and “sticking together,” but the early 2026 form has tested that philosophy. The Raiders’ attack has been blunt (scoring well below their previous season’s average), while the defence has leaked points at an alarming rate.

What this overhaul means for the Raiders

Benching or dropping these four players signals a clear shift. Stuart is prioritising players who show hunger and willingness to fight for the jersey. Expect changes in the team list for the Rabbitohs match, with younger or hungrier squad members like Xavier Savage, Sebastian Kris, or Morgan Smithies potentially getting more minutes, alongside the experienced leaders such as Joseph Tapine (captain) and Josh Papalii, who remain the backbone of the side.

The Rabbitohs clash is a massive opportunity for the Raiders to turn their season around. South Sydney have their own challenges, but a win in this matchup could spark the revival Stuart desperately wants. The coach has publicly called for unity: “We’ve got to stick together… I need the senior players to help lead us out of this.”

Analysts suggest this is not the end for the named players — many are young and still developing — but a wake-up call. Stuart’s history shows he is willing to make tough calls to protect the team’s standards. Dropping or benching underperformers early can send a powerful message that no one is untouchable.

Broader context: From minor premiers to early-season strugglers

The Raiders surprised many by claiming the 2025 minor premiership, but 2026 has been a reality check. Injuries (or lack thereof — the squad is relatively healthy) haven’t been the excuse. Instead, it’s been about execution, confidence, and winning the “moments” in games. Poor passages of play, especially in defence and the ruck, have cost them dearly.

Ricky Stuart’s long tenure at the club has seen highs and lows, but his passion never wanes. This latest drama adds extra spice to an already intriguing NRL season. Will the overhaul work? Can the Raiders climb back up the ladder and challenge for finals once again?

The upcoming match against the Rabbitohs will be the first real test of Stuart’s new approach. Fans will be watching closely to see if the dropped players respond with fire from the bench or if fresh faces can inject the missing energy.

One thing is certain: the Green Machine is in rebuild mode mid-season, and Ricky Stuart is not afraid to make the big calls. The NRL is a ruthless competition, and only those willing to fight every week will survive.

Raiders supporters — this is your team. The next few weeks will define whether 2026 becomes a year of redemption or continued frustration.

What do you think? Should Stuart be even harsher, or is this the wake-up call the squad needed? Drop your thoughts in the comments below and stay tuned for team list updates ahead of the Rabbitohs clash.