Sad News: Rising Fullback Chevy Stewart Set to Exit Canberra Raiders Amid Uncertain Future
Canberra Raiders fans are bracing for the potential departure of promising young fullback Chevy Stewart, with growing speculation that the talented 19-year-old could be on his way out of the nation’s capital. Once hailed as the long-term successor to the No.1 jersey at the Raiders, Stewart’s position at the club has come under increasing doubt in recent months.
Stewart, who made the switch to Canberra from Cronulla with high expectations, was considered one of the standout prospects of the next generation of NRL fullbacks, alongside the likes of Liam Ison, Sua Fa’alogo, and Isaiah Iongi. However, his path to cementing a permanent first-grade role has hit a significant roadblock with the emergence of Kaeo Weekes. The former Sea Eagles speedster has seized the fullback position and is reportedly close to finalizing a long-term extension with the club, effectively locking down the spot that once looked destined for Stewart.
Despite strong performances in lower grades and flashes of brilliance, Stewart has struggled to break into the Raiders’ top 17 consistently, with Weekes’ form and versatility proving too strong to overlook. As a result, Stewart’s management has reportedly begun exploring alternative opportunities, prompting rival clubs to circle.
Last week, The Daily Telegraph reported that interest in Stewart was heating up, and Fox League’s James Hooper confirmed on NRL 360 that both the Cronulla Sharks and St George Illawarra Dragons are closely monitoring the situation. Both clubs see Stewart as a high-upside investment who could thrive with greater opportunity.
A potential return to the Sharks would represent a homecoming for Stewart, who played all his junior football in the Shire before heading to Canberra. The Sharks are believed to value Stewart’s familiarity with their system and see him as a long-term depth or development option at the back.
Meanwhile, a move to the Dragons appears equally intriguing. While the club currently has Clinton Gutherson locked in at fullback, the veteran is approaching the twilight of his career. Stewart could be groomed as Gutherson’s eventual successor, giving him time to develop under one of the most consistent custodians in the game.
The looming exit marks a difficult moment for Raiders fans who had hoped Stewart would be a central figure in the club’s rebuild. His electric speed, strong footwork, and ability to inject life into the attack have been widely praised. But in the ultra-competitive world of NRL roster management, opportunities can be fleeting.
For now, Stewart’s future remains undecided, but signs are pointing toward a departure. Whether it’s a return to familiar ground at Cronulla or a fresh start in Wollongong, the young fullback seems poised to take the next step in his career — just not in green.
