RICKY Stuart has appealed to the NRL to find a better way to reward loyalty in the salary cap, with Canberra poised to release Shaun Fensom and Edrick Lee on the eve of the new season.

Stuart told The Daily Telegraph the decision to release the pair was “the hardest thing I have had to do as Raiders coach”.

With the kick-off to the 2017 season a week away, Fensom is set to join North Queensland in the coming days while Lee is tipped to sign with premiers Cronulla.

RAIDERS HAPPY TO MEET EXPECTATIONS

Fensom, 28, and Lee, 24, have spent their entire careers at the Raiders after joining the club as teenagers.

Stuart admitted his entire squad was struggling to understand why their mates had to leave.

As it stands, the NRL only has a $300,000 capped allowance for long-serving players and that has to be shared over the entire squad. The Raiders’ salary cap squeeze hasn’t been helped by last year’s charge up the ladder.

Stuart said he wasn’t being critical of the NRL but admitted these decisions were tough for players and fans to digest.

“It is the hardest thing I have had to do as coach of the Raiders, sitting both these men down and having to talk to them about their futures,” Stuart said.

“I have felt uncomfortable about it for many months and I still don’t feel comfortable today because they are two mates.

“And I can tell you it is something the players here struggle to understand also, especially when you are building a culture at a club.

“The players don’t want to lose their mates, and neither do the fans. I totally understand that because that is exactly how I feel. But it is the reality of the salary cap as it is.”

Stuart said he believed the game should work to allow more dispensation for players who have been at a club for five years, seven years and nine years.

“It would then give that club recognition and reward for the work they have put into players coming through,” Stuart said.

“I understand the salary cap and I get that we are trying to make it the most even competition we can.

“I understand it is not easy for the NRL and I am not trying to create a new wheel. I understand this is a difficult situation for every club. But I just wonder if we can come up with a better system. I just feel for the players, and the fans.”

Stuart said Fensom and Lee would leave with the club’s best wishes after giving outstanding service and loyalty.

“The door will always be open for them here,” Stuart said. “And I know the clubs who get these players are getting good players and good men.”