I've been assassinated: Stuart

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OUTGOING Eels coach Ricky Stuart on Thursday night accepted "small-minded" critics would continue to "assassinate" him over his decision to quit the club in favour of a three-year contract with Canberra.

In a dramatic finale to a season of complete woe, Stuart candidly addressed 500 players, staff, members and sponsors at the club's annual presentation night at Rosehill Racecourse.

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Many were stunned that Stuart had gumption to turn up, given the aggravation and distress embattled Parramatta have suffered as a result of his departure.

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Stuart was even forced to contend with the heckles from the audience as he spoke, but completed his three-minute speech to moderate yet respectful applause.

"I've been assassinated over the last day and I'll be assassinated tomorrow," Stuart said.

"But they are small-minded people. They don't understand the decision I've made.

"It's a big decision that I've made and I've had a lot of criticism today.

"I've had my character judged. I've been called a lot of things and there's been a lot of things said in regards to Ricky Stuart.

"I made a decision that's best for me and my family and I'll wear all types of criticism."

With most of the NRL squad present, Stuart then opened up on his decision to tell 12 players they were unwanted for next year.

As he spoke, a former board member taunted: "And now you're leaving!"

Stuart continued: "There's not a player in that group that I can't look in the eye and still say hello and be friends with.

"It's very hard, but that's my profession. I don't stand back from that. I'm proud I had the courage to do it.

"I'll continue to get criticism and I'll stay strong. I'll cop the criticism and I'll cop the punishment while ever I know it's the best decision for myself and my family."

Stuart paid special tribute to chairman Steve Sharp for his support over the past 10 days, and appealed to the club's factions to allow the former premiership-winning forward to "show his passion and do his job".

Once seen as the club's saviour, Stuart arrived at the Parramatta presentation Thursday night to the boos of Eels fans angered by his resignation as coach just one season into a three-year contract.

The departing coach turned up just after 7pm as fans, players and club officials were filing into the grand pavilion - after an hour of cocktails and nibbles - for their awards night.

Despite being on the receiving end of boos, Stuart managed to avoid a more awkward situation with the Eels faithful by leaving his arrival until the last minute.

"I was wondering if he was going to show up," angry lifelong supporter Colin Maclean said.

"It feels like unfinished business, this was supposed to be a five-year plan and he's left after a season.

"I understand if it was for family reasons, I just hope that was the case."

Stuart was seated on a table with his agent John Fordham - a lifetime friend and the manager of some of Australia's most recognisable sports and television stars.

Stuart had few words to say as he walked through the crowd to his seat near the lectern.

"I've already spoken to your blokes," he said.

Sharp was less reserved, saying Stuart's decision had left club officials shaken.

"I'm disappointed," he said. "We're looking for a new coach.

"Ricky's made that decision on a number of things and one of those is personal. Today's raining but the sun comes up tomorrow and dries it all up and away we go again."

Sharp would not comment on the specific personal reasons behind Stuart's departure but said he was satisfied his coach was leaving for valid reasons.

"I understand probably more so than most about Ricky's situation and I wish him all the best for the future."

Sharp said the playing roster Stuart had decided on for season 2014 would remain unchanged.

Eels cult hero Fuifui Moimoi - a man notoriously of few words - did not break from character Thursday night when asked about the hole left by Stuart's decision.

"It'll be alright," he said.

Stuart leaves the club after their second wooden spoon in as many seasons and their fourth bottom five finish in a row.

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