Outgoing Parramatta coach Ricky Stuart expects the assassination of his character to continue after explaining to the Eels faithful he made the decision to quit the club for family and career reasons.

Stuart addressed fans, sponsors, past and present players, coaches and management at the Parramatta presentation night at Rosehill Racecourse on Thursday night.

It was less than 24 hours after Parramatta announced Stuart would not fulfil the last two years of his contract and would be taking over at Canberra.

He spoke to the playing group earlier in the night and said it was a decision that he hadn’t taken lightly because it affected a lot of people.

“It’s been very hard, it’s been very difficult, it’s a very big decision,” Stuart said.

“I’ve had a lot of criticism today. It’s not easy to take.

“I’ve had my character judged.

I made a decision that’s best for my career and my family and I’ll wear all the criticism.”