Every NRL season brings a fresh crop of rookies and aspiring Canberra fullback Chevy Stewart could well be one of the very best of them.
Stewart has been one of the most highly touted juniors in the sport in recent years and after getting a taste of the big time in the Raiders’ trial win over Parramatta last week he has the custodian spot for the round one clash with Newcastle firmly in his crosshairs.
“I needed that first hit-out. I haven’t had an opportunity in a trial [before] and haven’t had my NRL debut so that’s definitely a confidence booster,” Stewart said.
“I’m pretty keen to get that number one spot.”
Raiders coach Ricky Stuart isn’t short of options at fullback – Jordan Rapana and Seb Kris both spent time there last year and Xavier Savage had a fine season at the back in 2022.
But Stewart, a New South Wales Under 19s representative, is doing whatever he can to give himself every chance of winning the spot and he comes into the season with a robust confidence after a summer working under Stuart.
“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,” Stewart said.
“I like that he picks up us younger lads, gives us a shot even if we’re down and not up that day he’ll be into us.
“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.”
The 18-year-old’s size could be of some concern but he’s used to growing up fast.
This time last year he was playing SG Ball (Under 18s) before progressing to the NSW Cup where his speed, passing abilities and support play stood out enough for him to be on the verge of the next step.
“I think having a bit more maturity in decision-making and stuff, getting out of that SG Ball phase, getting out of that Harold Matts, underage footy — just maturing, knowing when to play my hand and when not to play my hand — I think that’s the biggest thing for me,” Stewart said.
“I love running. I love running fast, so maybe some speed [is my biggest strength].”
Four more NRL youngsters to watch in 2024
Jeral Skelton — Canterbury Bulldogs
A former Australian sevens representative, Jeral Skelton joined Canterbury from the Melbourne Rebels last season and played three first-grade matches, scoring one try.
He’s still learning the ropes at the elite level of the sport but it’s clear there’s plenty here for Bulldogs coach Cameron Ciraldo to work with. Skelton is a damaging, tackle-breaking runner with a great appetite for work out of the backfield.
“I try and front-load my carries. That’s what they want me to do,” Skelton said.
“Cirro (Ciraldo) knows my main strength is my attack but my defence is what I’ve been working hard on.
“I’m trying to bring it up to the standard the rest of the boys are at.
“My goal is to play as many games as possible. To start off with the switch to league was tough, but with my position on the field I just need to run hard. That always makes it easier.”
Skelton performed well in the trial win over Melbourne last week, scoring a try, running for 159 metres and breaking eight tackles. He still faces an uphill battle to crack a Canterbury back line which boasts the likes of Josh Addo-Carr, Stephen Crichton and Jacob Kiraz but he should be right in the mix should injuries strike.
Tyrone Munro – South Sydney Rabbitohs
The Rabbitohs are well known for their sparkling back line but they’ve struggled to find a consistent starter on the right wing. Tyrone Munro, a 19-year-old local junior, could be the answer with his killer turn of speed and excellent finishing abilities.
Munro played three NRL matches last year but will have grown considerably over the summer. He scored the winning try in South Sydney’s reserve grade grand final win last year before backing it up with a hat-trick in the State Championship.
There might still be some rough edges on his game that need ironing out but he has tremendous upside and could make a razor-sharp Rabbitohs back line even more potent.
Ben Te Kura – Brisbane Broncos
The latest from a fine production line of young Brisbane forwards, what sets Ben Te Kura apart is his size. At 205 centimetres, he’s one the tallest players ever to come through rugby league – taller than Melbourne giant Nelson Asofa-Solomona, not to mention Philadelphia Eagles offensive lineman Jordan Mailata and Wallabies captain Will Skelton.
Size and power are great assets but without the mobility and acceleration to use them they can be as much of a hindrance as a help. However, Te Kura showed enough in Brisbane’s trial against North Queensland to suggest he’ll be able to use his bulk to make an impact for the Broncos this season.
A spot on the bench looms for the 20-year-old in the season opener in Las Vegas.
Ali Leiataua – New Zealand Warriors
Ali Leiataua has the full range of attributes any side would want in an upcoming centre. At 188cm and 102 kilograms, he’s big enough to bump off a defender while also being quick enough to leave them behind and skilful enough to create opportunities for his winger.
The 21-year-old played one NRL match last season. However, he has plenty more in his future. Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will have one centre spot to start the season while Rocco Berry and Adam Pompey compete for the other. But don’t be surprised if the pride of the Papatoetoe Panthers has the other by year’s end.
