Hamish Stewart: Queensland Red quits Bond to join Brothers
After three seasons as the face of rugby union on the Gold Coast, the Queensland Reds playmaker has abandoned his battling club to join competition heavyweights Brothers.
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After three years as the face of rugby on the Gold Coast, Queensland Reds playmaker Hamish Stewart has walked away from Premier Grade battlers Bond University to join competition villains Brothers in Brisbane.
Stewart’s shock exit is a sour blow on and off the field for the club, although his opportunities to contribute have been limited since joining the Reds in 2017.
His absence will be especially jarring in 2020 because the early conclusion of Super Rugby will see contracted players return to club rugby as early as Round 11.
Stewart’s playmaking influence could have been the kick to deliver Bond into the finals for the first time since joining the competition in 2014.
Stewart was unavailable for interview this week but the lure of playing finals football is understood to be a factor in the move.
The 21-year-old now lives in Brisbane having graduated from Bond in June.
The Reds have known a move was coming for weeks but Bond officials were still in the dark as the team’s pre-season began this week.
“Hamish hasn’t confirmed (the move) with me, but it wouldn’t affect us at all,” coach Grant Anderson said.
“Hamish only came to four training sessions and has only played two games of senior rugby for the club.
“It’s hard to have an impact when he hasn’t been around.”
If Bond are to raise the Hospitals Cup this year they will need to go through a Brothers side stacked with returning Reds – including Stewart – in Round 16 and likely again in the finals.
With Stewart out, Bond will summon Alex Mafi, Angus Blyth and Henry Speight upon the Super Rugby season’s conclusion.
Anderson said he wished the youngster well despite the circumstances of his departure.
“Our guys really did enjoy playing with him,” Anderson said.
“They valued his experience and calibre when he was with us and I hope he does well for the Reds and has a long career in Super Rugby or in Europe.”
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