Canberra hasn't offered me the job, says Stuart - The Canberra Times

Unhappy: No contact with Canberra, says Ricky Stuart. Photo: Adam McLean

Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart is adamant he is yet to be sounded out by Canberra powerbrokers as speculation grows he will take over at the Raiders next year.

The four-man sub-committee charged with finding a replacement for the sacked David Furner met for an hour before last night's 38-18 loss to Cronulla at Canberra Stadium.

Sub-committee chairman Allan Hawke and Raiders chairman John McIntyre declined to comment.

Former NSW coach Stuart is considered the favourite to assume control of the Raiders, with sacked North Queensland coach Neil Henry also in contention for a return to the club he left in 2008.

Stuart's first season with the Eels ended in embarrassing fashion on Sunday as the repeat wooden spooners shipped 50 points in a game for the fourth time this year, surrendering meekly 54-6 to finals-bound Newcastle.

Despite having two years to run on his contract, Stuart has a get-out clause that allows him to leave the Eels at any time.

But the 46-year-old, who played 203 matches for Canberra, claimed he had not heard from any of the Raiders' powerbrokers.

''I haven't spoke to Canberra it's a simple as that. It's not on my mind,'' Stuart said after Sunday's defeat at Hunter Stadium.

When pressed on whether he would definitely be at the Eels next year, Stuart played a straight bat.

''What more can I say? I have read all the speculation too,’’ he said. ''I am contracted to Parramatta. I haven't spoken to anyone about going anywhere else.''

Stuart said different factions at boardroom level were holding Parramatta back and this was the reason he had a clause inserted in his deal which would allow him to walk away at the end of the season.

''We have a volatile board. Why wouldn't I [have a get-out clause]? But it's not an excuse for how we are playing,'' he said.

''One hundred per cent [it's holding us back]. But it's not so much the board but the factions around it. I am very embarrassed in regards to our performances this year. It’s unacceptable to our fans.''

Canberra interim coach Andrew Dunemann was interviewed for the North Queensland job, but has withdrawn from the Cowboys race to send a message he wants the Raiders job full-time.

The extensive list of candidates also includes Tim Sheens, Tony Smith, Kevin Walters, Andrew McFadden, Wayne Collins and Rick Stone.

with AAP