Jaeman Salmon has once again stirred the pot in his ongoing rivalry with Raiders coach Ricky Stuart. After scoring for the Bulldogs during their recent match, cameras caught Salmon appearing to mouth the words “weak-gutted dog,” a phrase Stuart previously used in reference to him in a heated exchange back in 2022.
The feud originated when Salmon kicked Raiders hooker Tom Starling, resulting in an injury. Following that incident, Stuart described Salmon harshly, saying, “I’ve had history with that kid. He’s a weak-gutted dog now.” This comment led to Stuart facing disciplinary action, including a fine and suspension, although the specific reasons for his animosity towards Salmon were never fully disclosed.
Fast forward three years, and the animosity remains palpable. When Salmon scored in the 46th minute at GIO Stadium, he sought out the cameras to seemingly send a message back to Stuart. In his post-match comments, Stuart laughed off the incident, stating, “Honestly, how much do you really think I care about that?” Meanwhile, Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo opted not to comment on the feud, suggesting it was a matter between Salmon and Stuart.
Salmon’s rivalry with Stuart is not new; even earlier this year, he appeared to reminisce about their contentious history after scoring against the Raiders while playing for the Panthers, which Ivan Cleary referred to as “good karma.”
In the recent match, the Raiders started strongly with a 20-0 lead, thanks to tries from players like Zac Hosking and Xavier Savage. However, the Bulldogs quickly turned the game around, beginning their comeback after Stephen Crichton scored, followed by Salmon’s try. The Bulldogs eventually secured a 32-20 victory, with further tries from Marcelo Montoya, Max King, Viliame Kikau, and Jacob Kiraz.
Unfortunately for the Raiders, the match ended on a low note with newcomer Matty Nicholson leaving the field injured, which has raised concerns among fans and commentators.
Overall, the encounter not only highlighted the continuing saga between Salmon and Stuart but also showcased the Bulldogs’ resilience in overcoming a significant deficit, marking a memorable victory in the NRL.