Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart blasts 'disgusting' attacks on Brisbane Broncos coach Anthony Seibold

Stuart also offered Seibold his empathy in a week where the Raiders will showcase mental health charity Black Dog Institute on the front of their jersey for their game against the Broncos at Canberra Stadium on Saturday night.

Seibold took time off to deal with a serious family matter following the Broncos' 28-10 loss to South Sydney last weekend.

It's led to him being the victim of vicious rumours online, which he's reported to police and hired a lawyer in an attempt to find the origins of the comments.

Because Seibold left the NRL bubble to deal with his family matter he's now in quarantine for two weeks and won't come to Canberra to lead the Broncos, who are looking for just their second win since March.

On top of the family matter and the resulting attacks, Seibold's also come under fire for the Broncos' performances which has them sitting second last and fighting to avoid their first wooden spoon.

"I think it's disgusting. I believe it's all false and incorrect," Stuart said.

"It's been a hard enough season for him and I think it's disgusting if it's incorrect that it can publicly be aired."

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Stuart said mental health was especially important during the coronavirus pandemic, where people have lost their jobs and are struggling to make ends meet.

It's why he was proud to have the Black Dog Institute on the front of their jersey this week.

"It's something that's very important in everybody's lives, especially going through a period such as COVID," Stuart said.

"A lot of people are under a lot of pressure and we're very fortunate that we're back doing our jobs, albeit we're in a bubble.

"A lot of people have lost their jobs and are struggling - struggling to pay their mortgages and find work.

"We're the lucky ones and we're in a position now where we can promote a very good service in regards to Black Dog ... certainly doing a lot of good for people who need help."

Stuart was confident his team was mentally prepared to face a Broncos side that has its back firmly against the wall.

He said hooker Siliva Havili (triceps) would be right to face Brisbane after failing to finish the game against Penrith last weekend.

But Stuart revealed their injury toll had grown, with the incredibly unlucky Michael Oldfield breaking a thumb at training on Wednesday.

"[Havili's] good. 'Liva' was fine earlier in the week. We gave him a light start to the week, but he hasn't shown any signs with problems to that tricep," he said.

"There's no change outside Michael Oldfield. Michael broke his thumb at training on Wednesday so he's getting operated on today [Friday] and he'll be out for six or seven weeks."

NRL ROUND 14

Saturday: Canberra Raiders v Brisbane Broncos at Canberra Stadium, 7.35pm.

Raiders squad: 1. Charnze Nicoll-Klokstad, 2. Jordan Rapana, 3. Jarrod Croker (c), 4. Curtis Scott, 5. Nick Cotric, 6. Jack Wighton, 7. George Williams, 8. Josh Papalii, 9. Siliva Havili, 10. Dunamis Lui, 11. John Bateman, 12. Elliott Whitehead, 13. Hudson Young. Interchange: 14. Tom Starling, 15. Joe Tapine, 16. Ryan Sutton, 17. Corey Harawira-Naera. Reserves: 18. Sam Williams, 20. Kai O'Donnell, 21. Matt Frawley.

Broncos squad: 1. Darius Boyd, 2. Richard Kennar, 3. Kotoni Staggs, 4. Herbie Farnworth, 5. Xavier Coates, 6. Brodie Croft, 7. Tom Dearden, 8. Thomas Flegler, 9. Jake Turpin, 10. Payne Haas, 11. David Fifita, 12. Ben Te'o, 13. Patrick Carrigan. Interchange: 14. Cory Paix, 15. Jordan Riki, 16. Joe Ofahengaue, 17. Matthew Lodge.Reserves: 18. Issac Luke, 19. Ethan Bullemor, 20. Rhys Kennedy, 21. Jesse Arthars.