Hey Kevvie, cop the tip: This Stewart kid has what it takes

While Hamish Stewart is highly appreciative of the support from Dragons coach Dean Young about him being Australian Kangaroos’ quality he’s not willing to wave his hand in the air just yet and say ‘pick me’. 

Yes, Stewart views the green-and-gold jersey as an absolute honour. But with St George Illawarra trying to keep away from the wooden spoon his focus is on the remaining four matches of the regular season. 

He’s eyeing off the Wests Tigers, Bulldogs, Sea Eagles and Eels to grab some more wins.  

Still he says he’s feeling the love from his new head coach. 

“Deano pumps a lot of confidence into me, into all of us, and we all feel that,” Stewart told NRL.com.

“I can just go out there and do what I do knowing he’s got my back.  

“That’s pretty special. I’m proud of what I’ve been doing.

“I’m playing on the edge now after playing in the middle last year.

“Deano’s put me on the edge – it was one of the first calls he made when he came in (replacing Shane Flanagan) and I feel like I defend well there."

Stewart played 80 minutes on the left edge in the upset 24-16 win over the Sharks at Kogarah on Sunday.  

He laid on a try for Tyrell Sloan with a peach of a pass and scored a spectacular four-pointer of his own, soaring above two Sharks defenders like a centre to collect a Kyle Flanagan kick and score his fourth of the season. 

His agility and ability across a couple of positions is why Young sees a bright future for the 21-year-old. 

“He’s a special talent and it wouldn’t shock me if Kevvie Walters picks him in the Australian team at the end of the year, he’s that good,” Young said. 

“(Stewart) is a bloke that can play edge back row and middle just as good with his skill set… he’s got a big future and it’s going to be at the Dragons.” 

Little doubt Stewart is enjoying his second NRL season and his first under Young.  

He and twins Ryan and Toby Couchman, Dylan Egan and Loko Pasifika-Tonga have played a lot of football alongside each other. 

Ryan Coachman rattled off 66 tackles in an 80-minute performance at lock, while twin Toby sat out due to concussion but will be back for Wests Tigers at CommBank Stadium in Round 24.

“Ryan... what can you say,” Stewart said when asked about his teammate’s defensive effort.  

“When Matty (Feagai) went down he knew he wasn’t coming off so he showed just how tough a fella he is. 

“We all grew up playing together – me and the Couchies and Dyl (Egan) – we all came through the (Illawarra) Steelers.  

“I played with Loko in Jersey Flegg (Under 21s) and SG Ball (Under 19s) so we’re really connected as we’ve been together for a while. 

“When you’re all mates you want to work for each other and you know what they’re going to do. 

“Deano has been consistent in picking and sticking with all of us boys, he’s put his confidence in us.”  

They are repaying Young and exciting Red V fans at the same time. 

At the end of the local derby win over the Sharks, the Kogarah crowd broke out in a chorus of ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’. 

“I was singing out there one day (as a fan) so it’s a pretty surreal moment being on the field and hearing it,” Stewart said. 

“Knowing we had the game wrapped up, getting around the boys, it was very special as we haven’t had many games like that. It was really a nice feeling.”