The Canberra Raiders have made an effort to promote fresh talent recently, and that has been exemplified in fullback Chevy Stewart.
Stewart made his NRL debut earlier this season, enjoying a three-game stint in the No. 1 jersey.
He has again been named in NSW's Under 19s State of Origin side for 2024 as he continues to rise through the rugby league ranks.
Here's what to know about the 18-year-old talent.
MORE: 2024 NRL live ladder | Every NRL club's injury list | Every NRL fixture and result
Is Chevy Stewart related to Ricky Stuart?
There is no relation between Chevy Stewart and Ricky Stuart.
The different spelling is a bit of a giveaway, but we thought we'd confirm it anyway.
When did Chevy Stewart make his NRL debut?
It's been a speedy ascent to first grade for Stewart.
The Endeavour High School student was a star player for the Kurnell Stingrays in his junior years, which saw him get signed by the Cronulla Sharks in 2021.
His performances for their Harold Matthews Cup team saw him named the club’s Junior Representative Player of the Year in 2022 before he signed with the Raiders for the following campaign.
He scored nine tries and recorded eight try assists in 18 NSW Cup games for Canberra in 2023, putting himself firmly in contention for an NRL debut.
This ultimately came in Round 6 of 2024, brought in to replace an injured Jordan Rapana at fullback.
Stewart won his first match in first grade – a 21-20 nail-biter against the Gold Coast Titans.
He wasn’t so fortunate in his next two matches though, suffering heavy defeats to the Broncos and Sharks in Rounds 8 and 9.
Across his three games of NRL played so far, he has recorded an average of 145 run metres, posing a consistent attacking threat.
However, Stewart has been given some tough defensive lessons, currently holding a tackle efficiency rate of 47.62 per cent.
Chevy Stewart contract
Stewart inked a long-term deal last year to remain at the Raiders until at least the end of the 2026 campaign.
"Me and 'Stick' have good chats," Stewart said, while explaining the key role the coach had played in his progression.
"He doesn’t sugar-coat anything so if you’re doing something wrong, he’ll tell you. If you’re doing something good, he’ll also tell you. He’s a pretty straightforward guy.
"But you can do things wrong a million times and he’ll still give you that chance, he’ll give you that confidence. For me, that’s really comforting."
U19's New South Wales Men vs. Queensland Men team lists
U19's QLD MEN TEAM LIST | U19's NSW MEN TEAM LIST |
1. Jaxon Purdue 14. Mutua Brown 18. Xavier Kerrisk | 1. Chevy Stewart 14. Zane Harrison 18. Connor Votano |
