Footy star’s glamorous wife lashes out at coach for leaving her husband on the bench during tight loss – as three rival clubs circle the Kiwi international
- Kristen Tapine unloaded on Canberra NRL coach Ricky Stuart on social media
- She publicly questioned why husband Joe Tapine was benched in recent game
- Stuart is said to be furious, and Kiwi international Tapine could now be released
The glamorous wife of a footy star has lashed out at a premiership-winning coach for leaving her husband on the bench – and it could result in her man being swiftly booted from the NRL club.
Kristen Tapine, who is married to hulking Canberra Raiders forward Joe Tapine, was scathing of coach and club legend Ricky Stuart after the green machine lost to South Sydney 34-20 last Thursday night at GIO Stadium.
Mrs Tapine’s Instagram story after the match was blunt to say the least, calling out Stuart for his questionable bench rotation across 80 minutes.
‘You have an international player (Joe Tapine) warming your bench for 50 minutes… Your interchanges are killing us!!!’ she fumed.
Kirsten Tapine didn’t hold back in her assessment (pictured) of Raiders coach Ricky Stuart via her Instagram story – which could see her husband released by the Canberra Raiders
Mrs Tapine (pictured) questioned why her husband was on the bench for 50 minutes in the clash against Souths before stating coach Ricky Stuart’s use of his interchange was ‘killing’ the Canberra Raiders
‘Refs call count means jak (sic) when coaches are [rubbish bin emoji].’
The struggling Raiders have lost their last four NRL matches, and currently sit outside the top eight.
Stuart was said to be seething, and is rumoured to have confronted Kiwi international Tapine in recent days after his wife’s explosive social media post.
According to Channel Nine, at least three rival NRL clubs are said to be monitoring the situation should it turn ugly.
Unbeaten ladder leaders Penrith, the injury ravaged Sydney Roosters and struggling Canterbury Bulldogs are all rumoured to be interested in securing Tapine’s services for 2021 and beyond.
Tapine was dropped ahead of his side’s round seven loss to North Queensland before returning against the Rabbitohs in the nation’s capital.
He was introduced 25 minutes into the contest before coming from the field at the 50-minute mark.
Tapine later returned with eight minutes left when the Raiders were attempting to mount a desperate late comeback.
If Joe Tapine (pictured right) is released by Canberra after his wife’s public outburst on social media, at least three rival NRL clubs could sign the talented Kiwi international
Joe Tapine (pictured main with ball) signed with the Raiders in 2016, and is regarded as one of the best players in the NRL
He joined the club in 2016 after making his NRL debut for Newcastle two years earlier.
Tapine also attracted criticism last year after refusing to get the flu shot during the pandemic ahead of the NRL 2020 season.
Along with teammates Josh Papalii and Sia Soliola, the trio made their controversial stance on religious grounds.
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