It will be a special moment for the Stuart family on Friday night, with the Canberra Raiders announcing winger Jed will make his NRL debut against the Wests Tigers.
It comes 37 years after his father, club legend and current coach Ricky, made his first appearance for the Raiders.
With Jed becoming Raider #404, he and Ricky are the fourth father-and-son duo to play for the Raiders, and it’s the first time a Raiders NRL coach will coach his own son.
Jed’s family presented him with his first NRL Jersey on Monday 16 June.
Jackson said his brother had come a long way.
“I can say you have more involvement now in a game compared to when you were a five-year-old picking flowers out of the grass when the ball was coming your way,” he said.
“Jackson told Jed he was proud to have been part of the journey that led him to where he is now.
“I played some rugby with you a few years ago, it’s a season I love to think back to,” he said.
“You stood out as a young fella chopping down blokes double your size.
“You’ve always been willing to put your head into some rough places.”
Jackson said that since Jed joined the Raiders, he had become determined and disciplined in prioritising training first, no matter what.
Jackson joked that growing up Jed was the “young fellow getting bashed around by your older brother, cousins, even your sister”.
“You’ve always been willing to cop a big hit to make Emma (their sister) laugh,” Jackson said.
“…But now you’re going to be out there on the field keen to take the second tackle carries out of the corner for the boys.”
Jackson reminded his brother to enjoy every moment of his debut.
“It’ll be one you’ll remember for the rest of your life,” he said.
“Raider #404 has a pretty nice ring to it, especially for someone that loves the number four. Go and do us proud mate.”
Jed thanked his coaches. “I definitely wouldn’t be here right now if it weren’t for you guys,” he said.
“And I’d also like to thank my family and (his girlfriend) Laura, but most importantly Jack(son) and Emma for always bashing me up when I was younger, dressed up like Batman and whatnot.
“But last, but not least, the boys. What you guys have created this year, I’m just so keen to be a part of that and can’t wait to put that jersey on and run out with you.”
Mum Kaylie spoke on behalf of herself and Ricky.
“It’s an amazing moment, but you’ve worked hard to get here, so we’re really proud of you,” she said.
She also thanked the staff who had helped Jed get there.
“And all the players that put you here for this weekend, because dad may never have done that. “It would have taken him longer,” she giggled. “So I appreciate it and all the best.”
In his introductory speech at the presentation, Canberra Raiders wellbeing manager Andrew Bishop said Jed joined the club in 2022, starting with the Jersey Flegg and going on to play 57 NSW Cup games. He has also represented Australia in rugby sevens.
“It hasn’t always been easy for Jed, he’s had to do it the hard way,” Mr Bishop said.
“He’s worked as an apprentice while chasing his dream of being an NRL player.
“And one of the biggest obstacles he’s had to face is having his dad as a coach, which has made it even harder to break through.”
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