The Canberra Raiders will unleash the next generation of NSW Blues players in NRL trial
Almost 30 years after Ricky Stuart, Laurie Daley and Brett Mullins helped NSW to Origin victory, Canberra will field the Blues’ generation next on Saturday night.
Almost 30 years after Ricky Stuart, Laurie Daley and Brett Mullins helped NSW to Origin victory, Canberra will unleash the Blues’ generation next on Saturday night.
Ethan Sanders, Chevy Stewart and Ethan Strange form the core of a Raiders squad littered with Origin talent from the NSW under-19s side that triumphed over Queensland in 2023.
Sanders and Stewart will face Penrith in a trial on Saturday night, but will also be joined by Jake Clydsdale and new recruit Myles Martin at Shark Park.
Eight players in total who played in that Origin fixture two years ago will take the field, including four from the Panthers, led by Harrison Hassett and Luron Patea.
A further two – Strange and centre Savelio Tamale – haven’t been selected by Canberra coach Ricky Stuart but are expected to be in contention to play in Las Vegas.
The lone Queenslander is Penrith halfback Zack Lamont, who transferred from North Queensland late last season and played Jersey Flegg.
However it’s the all-important spine trio of Sanders, Stewart and Strange that the Raiders are pinning their future on, with all three 20 years and younger.
Another former NSW Origin star, Andrew Ryan, was coach of the Blues team that beat the Maroons in 2023 and is predicting big things from the Canberra’s young stars.
“I hope they know they have three genuine leaders at that club,” Ryan said.
Strange got a full year of first grade under his belt last year, playing 21 games in total, mostly at five-eighth with a couple in the centres.
Strange surprised many with his brilliant running game and excellent defence.
Ryan believes the 20-year-old, has only just scratched the surface.
“He completely exceeded my expectations when I coached him, and it’s phenomenal to see him transfer that into his NRL career last year,” Ryan said.
“There is no doubt in my mind, he is the ultimate team person. He will do anything for his teammates, and that’s why he’s succeeded in every level he has played.”
Stewart only managed three games in his first year in the top grade, but in that time he showed his former coach he can mix it with the best.
Ryan coached Stewart twice for the under-19s Blues in 2023 and 2024, and was left impressed with a maturity that foreshadows a long future in the game.
“Chevy’s leadership and energy around the group is a main reason why we were able to win our games,” Ryan said.
“Even before he debuted he was able to direct his teams around so well, and when he got his chance you saw in his games how tough and durable he was.”
The Raiders’ newest recruit from Parramatta in Sanders may look to be stuck behind the likes of halves Jamal Fogarty and Adam Cook.
However Ryan is adamant it’s only a matter of time before Sanders is in their top 17.
“His composure and confidence sets him apart from anyone else in his position,” Ryan said.
“He is confident, not arrogant, with some experience around him, he could handle the NRL level with ease.”
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