BY DAN

Chevy Stewart was arrested at something called Northies for pouring a drink into a pokies machine last Friday. He faces court in November. I’m not sure what the likely outcome is. The only thing to say is welcome to the off-season. Roll your eyes, brace your heart. There’s blood in the water.

In all likelihood he won’t be with the Raiders by the time he has his day in court. The new season starts on 1 November, and all this frankly drunk bizarre behaviour will do is impact his new club. It’s a bit sad to hear the reporting that his action was out of frustration with his gambling losses. Gamble responsibly and listen to the Whitlams in my very personal view.

I couldn’t tell you the likely legal outcomes of this. I’m not Judge Judy or the executioner. But I will note that “malicious damage” comes with a maximum sentence that includes jail time in New South Wales. Apparently up to five years? First time offender? I dunno. Ask a lawyer. We are glad the club is giving Stewart the support he needs, and hope that if anything comes out of this, it’s that Stewart learns that the pokies are not a good way to spend your hard-earned.

If there is a matter of interest it’s that the article suggests the Milk are hopeful of keeping Stewart, despite Kaeo Weekes’ long term extension and ascension to god and man in one. As the article noted:

The club declined to comment but are expected to stick by the talented youngster even though he has fallen behind Kaeo Weekes in the fullback pecking order at the club.

His management have been exploring options at rival clubs but the Raiders would like to keep Stewart as back-line depth despite his $400,000 price tag for next season.

All that is a surprise to us. We’d basically penned Stewart into the starting fullback at the Dragons next year (or the year after. However long it takes for Gutho’s energy to run out). It wouldn’t make sense for him to want to stay. Weekes has clearly been identified as the starter with a financial investment to match (up to 900k in the out years). It will take a lot for the Raiders to move on from that, and Stewart has an unending list of suitors who would love to offer him a first-string position. This matter is sufficiently minor that it’s unlikely to alter that situation. Stewart is a hugely talented footballer. He’ll only be a backup for so long.

Canberra might love to keep him around, much like Homer would like two wives, and out of loyalty to the brethren that brought him (like Ethan Strange). It’s always better to have talent than not, but not a realistic long-term approach. But $400k a season for a guy that can only back up one position isn’t the most efficient spend at the edges of your roster.

He’s played other positions in juniors, but in NSW Cup there’s only been one position that has suited. They tried him at right centre last year, but Sione Finau’s existence means that role is no longer an option. Manaia Waitere would also probably be a more likely option at this position, and he’ll be top 30 next season. In short, if Stewart isn’t playing fullback then it seems luxurious to keep him, particularly when they still need room for another halfback, apparently. And are closing in on another backup fullback.

But that’s a problem for after his legal situation resolves. This is a wait-and-see situation, so we’ll do just that. But we’d be surprised if, by the time this plays out, it still impacts the Raiders.

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