She’s our pillar’: The driving force behind Jed Stuart’s emotional Raiders debut…
Jed Stuart’s emotional debut for the Canberra Raiders was about more than just a young player taking the field — it was a tribute to the strength and resilience of his family, and most of all, to his mother. As son of head coach Ricky Stuart, Jed has grown up around rugby league, but his NRL debut carried deep emotional weight, following Ricky’s public revelation about the family’s struggles and sacrifices, particularly surrounding his daughter Emma, who lives with autism.
Ricky credited Jed’s mother, Kaylie, as the “pillar” holding the family together. “She’s the strongest person I know,” Ricky said. “Without her, none of us would be here.” Jed’s selection was not just based on merit — although he earned it through consistent performances — but also served as a symbol of perseverance and family unity.
The Raiders squad, many of whom have witnessed the Stuarts’ personal challenges, rallied behind Jed. His debut moment, cheered by teammates and fans alike, was laced with pride and emotion. For Jed, running out in the green jersey wasn’t just a career milestone — it was a moment years in the making, driven by a mother’s unwavering love and the strength of a family bonded by adversity and hope.
