Brisbane Rhinos star Malakai Railton-Stewart signed by University of Idaho

Meet Brisbane’s 198cm, 118kg teen beast set to take on the big stages of US college football after earning a scholarship to a major division one school.

Malakai Railton-Stewart (middle) very happy on signing day.

Meet Brisbane’s 198cm, 118kg teen beast set to take on the bright lights of US college football.

Malakai Railton-Stewart, an Endzone Football Academy and Brisbane Rhinos gridiron product, has inked a scholarship with division one school, the University of Idaho after years of hard work.

With an entirely new coaching staff now headed by Jason Eck, Idaho made the playoffs for the first time this past season in a year of resurgence – making it the perfect landing spot for Railton-Stewart.

Malakai Railton-Stewart (middle) very happy on signing day.

“It’s been a long process and I’m definitely glad to make it here,” Railton-Stewart said.

“It started out, catching three hours of public transport a day to train while studying for exams.

“It was self driven, I had to take initiative myself.

“It’s six day a week, two times a day on the field, in the gym and in the kitchen.

“It’s been a long time trying to get noticed and recognised, posting my game on social media.”

Malakai Railton-Stewart (wearing red) in action.

He impressed both the University of Idaho and Kent State University when showcasing his skills in camps in the US this year.

“Doing 10 camps in a row, travelling five hours to universities in buses, getting cramps and getting four-to-five hours sleep if that each night – it ended up being worth it,” Railton-Stewart said.

“They’ve (Idaho) been the most amazing school in terms of helping me get committed, they paid for flights and accommodation for me to come out for the weekend and watch a game.

Malakai Railton-Stewart (right) with his game face on.

“Calling me weekly, sending me letters, doing things the right way, making me feel wanted.

“I felt a family vibe.

“The head coach (Jason Eck) in his first year has done a lot in turning the program around. I want to learn under them.

“I can see myself playing there, I love the coaching staff there, I can see them not only helping with my football career but personal life and academics.”

Railton-Stewart, who will move to the US on January 9, said he was excited to get on campus, start training and be with the team.

“I love the sport and the ability to basically have football as my career for the next four years is an amazing opportunity,” he said.

”I’m hoping to get playing time and make the starting roster.

“If not, playing time off the bench. Just time on the field and to learn the system as much as I can to get as much out of it.”

Malakai Railton-Stewart.

With a strong work ethic, Railton-Stewart is a talent who will be well-suited to the demands of division one sport, where he will have to prove he’s “better than those who have been playing their whole lives”.

“It’s been a massive effort to achieve this and putting this time, energy and effort in is really a credit to him and his work ethic and tenacity,” Endzone Football Academy’s strength and conditioning coach Sam Arnold said.

“I couldn’t be more pumped for him, he thoroughly deserves this.

“It was an uphill battle and he got sideways looks. For him to go from there to here is really impressive – he’s put on 40 pounds and blossomed into a big, strong, powerful man.

“He’s very coachable, long, and very strong. He is a good athlete and very good at taking on information and applying it with repetition.

“He’s not afraid of failure.

“He will happily look silly and have another go, which has allowed him to grow exponentially faster than others.”

Railton-Stewart will receive more than $200,000 worth of education, encompassing education, an allowance, food, accommodation, facilities and everything from the degree and flights to the physiotherapy and staff knowledge over the four years.