The Wests Tigers vs Raiders Round 16 clash featured one of the NRL’s most emotional debuts in recent memory. Jed Stuart, son of Raiders coach and NRL legend Ricky Stuart, scored a try in a dream start to his career. The 23-year-old winger had waited four long years and multiple emergencies to finally earn his first-grade call-up. Against the Tigers, he showed why he belonged, helping Canberra secure a gritty 16-12 win on Friday night.
Ricky Stuart Praises Son After Raiders v Tigers Win
Before the Raiders v Tigers match, whispers of nepotism surrounded the selection of Jed Stuart in the squad. However, Ricky Stuart was quick to silence critics, insisting Jed had worked harder than most to earn his spot. “He’s had to work doubly hard. I made it tough on him,” Ricky said before the game kicked off in Canberra. His selection made Jed the 404th player to debut for the Canberra Raiders, and he wasted no time making an impact.
Jed Stuart Scores in First Half of Tigers vs Raiders
After Joseph Tapine opened the scoring in the 13th minute, it took just five minutes for Jed to make history. A slicing run from Kaeo Weekes helped gain ground before Sebastian Kris executed a slick flick pass to Jed. With the line in sight, Jed dove into the corner to score as the home crowd erupted in celebration and disbelief. “Stuart is over in the corner!” commentator Dan Ginnane exclaimed on Fox League as fans cheered the fairytale moment.
Stuart Clan Celebrate Emotional Moment in Raiders Win
“They waited four years to see him get a crack. Only 18 minutes to see him score,” Ginnane added passionately. Fox pundits were unanimous in praising the moment, calling it a memory that will last a lifetime for the Stuart family. Michael Ennis called the put-down “brilliant,” while Kevin Walters labelled it “an all-time memory” in NRL history. James Graham added: “It’ll never get better for a father-son relationship. That’s so cool to witness.”
Jed Stuart embraces Ricky Stuart after the Raiders’ win over the Wests Tigers.
Ricky Stuart Admits It Was His Toughest Week Coaching
Following the Raiders v Tigers match, Ricky became emotional in his post-match press conference with the media. “This week’s been the hardest since I’ve coached,” he said, reflecting on the pressure and expectation surrounding Jed. “All I wanted was for him to hold his own. That’s it. And he did that, and I’m proud of him.” He added that he often lost sleep thinking about how the debut might unfold, but found peace that night.
Also Read: London Marathon 2026 Ballot Results Released Today
Raiders Secure Crucial Win Despite Tigers Comeback
The Raiders led 16-0 at halftime, but the Tigers, led by Jarome Luai, mounted a strong second-half fightback. Luai had only finished State of Origin duties 48 hours earlier but still backed up bravely for his struggling team. Two tries in the 48th and 53rd minutes brought the Tigers within four points, but they could not break through. The win consolidated the Raiders’ second-place position on the ladder as the finals race continued to heat up.
Online Reactions Pour in for Jed Stuart’s Debut
Social media lit up with praise as fans and pundits congratulated Jed Stuart for his performance against the Tigers. Roosters halfback Chad Townsend posted, “Great moment for Jed Stuart! Love to see it.” NRL journalist Brad Walter added, “What a night for Jed. He’s had a debut to remember. The Stuart legacy continues.” One fan joked, “Ricky’s halftime message: Pass to Jed or no Maccas on the way home!”
Chad Townsend praises Jed Stuart
Stuart Scores Just Like Dad in Same Round
In an incredible coincidence, stats page Random Stats Guy revealed that both Ricky and Jed debuted in Round 16. Even more incredibly, both scored a try in their debut matches for the Raiders exactly 37 years apart. This fun fact added a magical historical twist to what was already a touching and emotional night for the family. From father to son, it was a story of perseverance, pressure, and finally, payoff on the NRL’s biggest stage.
What’s Next for Jed Stuart and the Raiders
While Ricky made it clear he wasn’t giving his son games, Jed’s debut has likely earned him more opportunities. With injuries and depth constantly tested in the NRL, Jed could become a reliable winger for the rest of 2025. The Raiders next face another tough test, but the morale boost from Friday night may carry them far this season.Jed’s Wests Tigers vs Raiders debut will be remembered as a defining moment in the proud Stuart family legacy.
