Rugby World Cup: Young Player to Watch Maya Stewart plotting comeback to Wallaroos, Waratahs

Right now this is rugby’s most unlucky athlete. But she could end up being the star of an extraordinary story if things go to plan.

When Maya Stewart heard a loud noise “coming out of my body” she knew exactly what it was.

When people tried to tell her the injury might not be as bad as she feared, she knew they were wrong.

But straight after surgery on a ruptured ACL, the try-scoring sensation was already plotting how she can defy the odds and realise her dream of playing for Australia in the Women’s Rugby World Cup later this year.

Wallaroo Maya Stewart is fighting her way back from injury. Pic: Supplied

“This is not my first rodeo,” said Stewart, who suffered the same injury and surgery when she was 16. “That’s probably a blessing in disguise.

“I had good success last time. The surgeon put 12 months on my recovery but last time I came back in eight months. So I think 10 months is achievable and it could be trimmed down.

“The World Cup is too big and opportunity not to do absolutely everything I can. For two years we haven’t played internationals so pulling on the green and gold is a major goal.

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do.’’

A year ago World Rugby named Stewart as a young player to watch.

But right now the Nelson Bay player, currently living in Kingsford, is learning to walk properly again.

Wallaroo Maya Stewart is determined to play in the World Cup. Pic: Supplied

“I’m trying to get my walking stride back to normal and after that I can run and start putting my strength back in my quad mass,’’ she said.

“The I just have to keep working at it to get back.’’

Stewart has just returned form Queensland where she was with the 40 player Wallaroos squad preparing for the inaugural Pacific Four competition and the World Cup in New Zealand later this year under new coach Jay Tregonning.

“Motivation isn’t going to be an issue,’’ she said.

NSW WARATAHS SUPER W SQUAD 2022

Adiana Talakai, Ana-Lise Sio, Anita Brown, Arabella McKenzie, Asoiva (Eva) Karpani, Atasi Lafai, Brianna Hoy, Bridie O’Gorman, Chantelle Nettleton, Emily Chancellor, Emily Robinson, Fi Jones, Georgina Friedrichs, Georgina Tuipulotu, Grace Hamilton, Iliseva Batibasaga, Jade Sheridan, Kaitlan Leaney, Katrina Barker, Layne Morgan, Lori Cramer, Mahalia Murphy, Margot Vella, Nicole Nathan, Pauline Piliae, Penelope Leiataua, Piper Duck, Sabine Blakeman, Sera Naiqama, Tatum Bird.