“They were happy with the way I played in the Laurie Daley Cup,” he said. “I’m happy to play wherever, but I hope to play first grade in future.”

The former Moruya High student felt “nervous and excited” about his upcoming move to Wollongong.

“I’d like to thank my mum (Kelly Stewart) for always supporting me, helping me and taking me to games,” he said.

He said he found out about the offer two months ago, but has been unable to speak publicly about it until now.

“I’m really happy and excited,” he said.

Earlier this year, Stewart won the prestigious Tom Nelson Medal at the CRL awards night.