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Ricky Stuart’s son makes dream debut as Raiders stun Eels after Brad Arthur’s son KO’d

If you wanted to know how the Raiders trial win over the Eels went, look no further than the nights of the respective coach’s sons.

Fox League
4 min read
February 17, 2024 - 9:18PM
It was a dream debut for Ricky Stuart’s boy and now Canberra have a selection headache after they stunned Parra with Brad Arthur’s son copping a brutal KO.
It was a dream debut for Ricky Stuart’s boy and now Canberra have a selection headache after they stunned Parra with Brad Arthur’s son copping a brutal KO.

The Raiders have stormed back from 10-0 down to score five unanswered tries on their way to a 38-16 victory over the Eels in the Pre-season Challenge on Saturday.

Parramatta big man Ofahiki Ogden crashed over for the first try and things were looking ominous for Canberra when Sean Russell scored to make it 10-0 after 12 minutes.

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But the Raiders struck back with a sensational try to recruit Kaeo Weekes, who put up a bomb that Eels fullback Blaize Talagi wanted nothing to do with it. Nick Cotric pounced on the ball and put a kick into the corner for Weekes to finish.

Canberra locked up the scores after Taateo crashed over to square things up before the break.

It moments after Brad Athur’s son Matthew was knocked out cold trying to tackle Taateo in a scary moment for the Eels’ coach.

Eels enforcer Makahesi Makatoa is on report for a hip-drop tackle on Xavier Savage, while Raiders hooker Zac Woolford failed an HIA.

Bailey Simonsson put the Eels ahead early in the second half before Canberra hit back as Ricky Stuart’s son Jed, who only came onto the field in the 50th minute, scored moments later out wide on debut.

Jed Stuart was strong for the Raiders. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images
Jed Stuart was strong for the Raiders. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

A stunning length-of-the-field effort from James Schiller and barging try from Peter Hola saw the Raiders punish the Eels push further ahead before Schiller had a hand in another Canberra four-pointer.

This time he leapt above to bat back a bomb, with Stuart also on the spot to come up with a key offload and keep the play alive.

From there it was chaos as the ball went to ground on multiple occasions but ended with Noah Martin who put the game beyond doubt.

Here are three of the biggest talking points out the match.

A TALE OF TWO SONS

Not a great night for Matt Arthur. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images
Not a great night for Matt Arthur. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

Both coaches had sons making their NRL club debuts but it was two very different nights for Matthew Arthur and Jed Stuart.

Arthur was knocked out cold trying to tackle Raiders big man Peter Taateo in the 30th minute and it prompted a lengthy medical delay.

The 20-year-old eventually rose to his feet and was helped off by trainers as his worried father looked on from the box.

Arthur was assessed in the sheds for further injuries but Fox League confirmed he was cleared of any broken bones.

Conversely, Jed Stuart came onto the field in the 50th minute and moments later found himself on the end of a try.

“A nice moment here for Ricky Stuart and the family because there is his son Jed out there now having his first carry at the top grade in jersey 17,” Mick Ennis said on Fox League.

“Big rangy, powerful, athletic, Jed Stuart. He can play anywhere, backrow, centre, he’s on the wing here for Canberra on that left-hand side. Great to see him out there, he’s worked so hard to get to this level.”

Stuart has played several positions in the NSW Cup and is also an Australian Rugby Sevens representative.

The 22-year-old didn’t have to wait long for his first try after he cashed in on some quick thinking from hooker Danny Levi who dropped the but kicked it before it hit the ground and the Steeden found James Schiller who passed to Stuart to score.

“Well out of nowhere Jed Stuart is going to score. He’s just come onto the field. That is remarkable work to get it out there, that looked dead and buried and it ends up in a four-pointer,” Dan Ginnane said.

“That’s a nice moment for Ricky Stuart. He can’t believe his luck, Jed,” Ennis responded.

Stuart then had a hand in the Raiders’ final try after showing some nice footwork and an offload which ultimately allowed Noah Martin to score.

RD1 FULLBACK BATTLE HEATS UP

The Raiders impressed against the Eels. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images
The Raiders impressed against the Eels. Photo by Matt King/Getty Images

The fullback battle is well and truly on in Canberra with 18-year-old Chevy Stewart getting first crack at the Raiders No. 1 jersey.

Xavier Savage is the other contender for the role, but could also find himself on the wing when the Raiders announce their team for Round 1.

Stewart was quiet against the Eels, running for just 34 metres, but he did produce a try-saving tackle in the second half.

He’s still the favourite for the job before Seb Kris returns from suspension in Round 2, given the raps coming out of Canberra on the young gun.

Savage’s speciality is speed and against the Eels he looked certain to score after scooping on a loose ball and racing away, but he was surprisingly chased down by winger Sean Russell.

Savage played well at the back for Canberra during the 2022 season, but only played once in the top grade last season with his form tapering off somewhat since breaking his jaw at the start of 2023.

Kris is a strong chance of wearing the No.1 jersey when he returns, but could also line up in the centres.

COTRIC NO CERTAINTY

Nick Cotric has played for New South Wales and Australia and is still only 25, but a regular spot in Ricky Stuart’s side is becoming less and less certain.

Stuart rested a host of stars against the Eels but started Cotric who endured a forgettable performance playing alongside a group of Green Machine up-and-comers.

The speedster bombed a certain try early in the second half and will need a big performance next week to earn a spot in Round 1.

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Cotric is competing against Mat Timoko, Jordan Rapana, Albert Hopoate, James Schiller and Xavier Savage for a spot in the centres or on the wing.

And that’s assuming Seb Kris returns at fullback instead of young gun Chevy Stewart being handed the No. 1 jersey.

So that’s six players for just four positions and it could easily be Cotric’s name on the chopping block for the season opener.

Originally published as Ricky Stuart’s son makes dream debut as Raiders stun Eels after Brad Arthur’s son KO’d

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Original URL: https://www.news.com.au/sport/nrl/ricky-stuarts-son-makes-dream-debut-as-raiders-stun-eels-after-brad-arthurs-son-kod/news-story/16d801ebe643d563c7d21ca0e04c5a3d