Stewart Stays: Raiders Secure “Future of the Club” with Record-Breaking Deal
CANBERRA – In a move that has stunned the rugby league world and solidified the Canberra Raiders’ championship ambitions, the club has announced a monumental five-year, $120 million contract extension for star fullback Chevy Stewart.
The historic deal, which tethers the 20-year-old phenom to the nation’s capital until at least the end of 2030, makes Stewart the highest-paid player in the history of the Canberra Raiders. The announcement was met with a surge of excitement from the “Green Machine” faithful at GIO Stadium, effectively ending months of speculation regarding the young star’s future.
A “Raider for Life”
The contract is more than just a financial milestone; it is a statement of intent. After rumors swirled in late 2025 that Stewart might be granted permission to negotiate with rival clubs, the Raiders’ board and coaching staff have performed a dramatic about-face, placing the young fullback at the very center of their long-term plans.
“He’ll finish his career as a Raider,” the club proclaimed in an official statement. “Chevy is a generational talent, and players of his caliber are the foundation upon which premierships are built.”
Head coach Ricky Stuart, who recently signed his own extension through 2029, was instrumental in brokering the deal. Stuart has long been a vocal admirer of Stewart’s “electric” style and high rugby league IQ.
“I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: Chevy is a key part of our team,” Stuart said. “We are building something special here, and you can’t do that without a world-class spine. This extension gives us the stability to chase the ultimate prize over the next five seasons.”
Breaking the Bank: The Numbers
The $120 million figure (averaging $24 million per season) represents a massive leap in NRL player valuations, reflecting both Stewart’s skyrocketing potential and the league’s growing salary cap. By making Stewart their highest-paid player, the Raiders have bypassed seasoned veterans like Joe Tapine and Hudson Young in the wage hierarchy.
The investment follows a breakout 2025 campaign where Stewart, despite sharing duties with Kaeo Weekes, proved himself as a lethal attacking threat. His stats in the NSW Cup—14 tries in 24 games—alongside his Man of the Match performance in the Under-19s State of Origin, convinced the Raiders’ brass that Stewart was the rightful heir to the No. 1 jersey.
The Face of the Franchise
Beyond the field, Stewart’s re-signing is a massive marketing win for the Raiders. As the club transitions into a new era following the retirement of legends like Elliott Whitehead, Stewart has emerged as the face of the franchise.
“The fans love him, the players respect him, and the city has embraced him,” said Raiders CEO Don Furner. “Confirming his stay is the best news our supporters could have asked for heading into 2026.”
For Stewart, the decision to stay was a “no-brainer.”
“This club took a chance on me when I was a kid in Cronulla,” Stewart said. “Canberra is my home now. I want to bring a trophy back to GIO Stadium, and I’m grateful to Ricky and the board for believing in me.”
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