It seems like a distant memory now, but the ongoing hostility between Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart and Penrith Panthers utility Jaeman Salmon could be far from over, with the Panther revealing he was still considering legal action.
The incident occurred after the Panthersโ Round 21 victory over the Raiders, when Stuart took umbrage to a kick from Salmon on Tom Starling, before stunning attending media by adding personal and historical context with his โweak-gutted dogโ slam.
Stuart was subsequently punished by the NRL, missing an entire week as a head coach and being hit with a $25,000 fine.
From there the incident faded into memory, but itโs been brought back into the spotlight ahead of this weekโs grand final following confirmation from Salmon that legal options were still on the table.
โDefinitely, there could be some stuff in the works still,โ Salmon told the Daily Telegraph.
โIโm not sure, I canโt really comment on anything and I wonโt.โ
While Stuart delivered a public apology, it appears both parties are still unwilling to discuss whatever incident from their storied past served as a catalyst for Stuartโs tirade.
While he didnโt discuss the issue, Salmon clarified that it had nothing to do with Stuartโs daughter, as some had suggested. He also spoke on how the term had caught on since the comment was made.
โIt has nothing to with his autistic daughter,โ Salmon said.
โIโm not worried about hearing that term, Iโm only focused on the game this week.
โI heard about it at the game, but what Rick said is up to him.
โItโs caught on a bit, Iโve been copping it a bit at games, but Iโm not focused on that. Everyone (at the club) has been good, I wonโt comment on what happened.โ