Canberra Raiders coach Ricky Stuart has been recognized for the Raiders remarkable season by being names Dally M Coach of the Year.

The much maligned Stuart has previously coached the Roosters, Cronulla, Paramatta and New South Wales but after early success with the Roosters, has failed to achieve the ultimate goal in winning the NRL Grand Final.

Former international Justin Hodges (pictured) was coached by Stuart at the Roosters and says while Stuart has copped plenty of criticism during his coaching career, the award is well deserved after Stuart got the Raiders to within one win of a grand final berth.