Coach Ricky Stuart has walked out on the National Rugby League wooden spooners the Parramatta Eels to take up a three-year contract with the Canberra Raiders.
The 46-year-old told the Eels board of his decision on Wednesday night, having led the club to a second successive NRL wooden spoon with just just five wins all season.
The Eels have been plagued with boardroom dramas all season and the former New South Wales coach insisted on a get-out clause in his contract when he accepted the role at the start of this season.
Thought the writing was on the wall, the Eels co-captain Jarryd Hayne says he's surprised by the decision but has yet to be informed by the club.
Stuart's close friend Laurie Daley says he's delighted to see Stuart return to their old club as the man to sort out the off-field issues that have blighted the Raiders playing squad this year.
