Raiders coach Ricky Stuart bites his tongue about referees after $20,000 fine

That's a pretty standard amount of time for an NRL post-game press conference, but it's a lifetime compared to the last time Raiders coach Ricky Stuart addressed the media after a game.

Stuart was in a much more relaxed mood after seeing his side snap a three-game losing streak with a 44-22 thumping of the Newcastle Knights at Hunter Stadium on Saturday.

The Raiders will more than likely appeal the NRL's decision to hand down a $20,000 fine in the wake of Stuart abruptly ending his press conference after last week's 24-12 loss to the Brisbane Broncos.

It is understood the Raiders would be satisfied if half of the fine was suspended pending another breach.

Stuart was in hot water for criticising referees in a radio interview during the week, while the Raiders were slapped over the wrist for not allowing the media to speak with players after the game.

After politely answering questions about his team's performance, the Origin chances of five-eighth Blake Austin and talking about captain Jarrod Croker breaking the 1000-point barrier, Stuart was asked about whether the Raiders would appeal the fine.

"I'll sit down with [Raiders chief executive] Don [Furner] and [chairman] Allan Hawke on Tuesday and discuss everything then," Stuart said.

"I'm better off talking about it next week when we make a decision on what's going to happen."

Then asked about what he thought about the refereeing in the Knights game, Stuart replied: "I'm better off not talking about referees, mate."

Stuart has been fined more than $120,000 during his NRL coaching career for comments made about referees.

He is set to meet with referees boss Tony Archer in Canberra next week to discuss his concerns while the Raiders have the bye week.

Incidentally, the Raiders lost the penalty count 7-5 on Saturday.