Jed Stuart is often held to higher standards because of the obvious comparison with his legendary father. Photo: Raiders.
In Canberra sport, being the son of one of the Raiders’ greatest is akin to being the offspring of a Beatle. Maybe that’s an exaggeration, but you know what I’m getting at.
The comparisons to a well-known parent and the standards by which an offspring is graded are, in many respects, a reason to avoid embarking on the same career. And if the same career is pursued, comparisons can be a considerable burden.
In the case of Jed Stuart, the son of Raiders legend and current coach Ricky, there has been a determination to forge his own path.
Ricky Stuart watches on during his 500th NRL game as coach in 2024. Photo: Jayze Photography.
Having watched him run on for plenty of games for the Queanbeyan Whites in local rugby, as well as with the Australian Sevens rugby union team and most recently with the Raiders NSW Cup side, there is a lot to like about the way Jed Stuart plays.
As an observation, he is incredibly versatile. At six-foot-four in the old imperial measure, I have seen him play at lock, in the centres, and on the wing.
Like his father, he is very competitive and strong defensively.
But unlike many others, he is often held to higher standards because of the obvious comparison.
Seemingly oblivious to the outside noise, he has forged his own way in rugby league, initially with a train and trial contract, and with success in the NSW Cup with 13 tries in 24 games last season. Now he’s on the verge of a call-up to make his first-grade debut.
According to reports, Ricky was reluctant to pick Jed in the squad for Las Vegas with the spectre of nepotism a factor.
Ricky changed his mind after being persuaded by the club’s senior players, who believed that Jed deserved his place in the squad for Vegas.
He may not play, but if nothing else, it has provided Ricky with a level of comfort that there is support within the team for Jed’s inclusion, no matter the opinions of keyboard warriors on social media.
Ricky is well aware of the issues faced by fellow coaches Brad Arthur, Shane Flanagan and Kevin Walters in coaching their sons in the NRL.
Meanwhile, Ivan Cleary’s youngest son, Jett, has signed a three-year deal with the Warriors in a bid to forge his own path and avoid comparisons with his older brother, Nathan.
The hope is that Jed Stuart can forge his own way without the burden of comparisons to his father’s stellar playing career.
The vote of confidence from his Raiders teammates has been an important step in ensuring that he is given a fair go.
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