Stewart played fullback for the Illawarra Steelers' SG-Ball side that recently won the SG Ball premiership over the Manly Warringah Sea Eagles.

The SG Ball is the premier under 18s competition in NSW, with teams representing most NRL sides and major population areas.

Stewart scored the final try in the Steelers' 34-23 win.

"I knew the game wad done at that stage, there was only about 20 seconds to go," he said. "I just called for the ball, got it, took my chance, and went through the gap to score.

"It was a pretty exciting day, I don't know how else to explain it."

Stewart got his chance with the Steelers after an impressive 2018 season, where he played in the Laurie Daley Cup, was named in the CRL under 18s squad, and won the prestigious Tom Nelson Medal.

"I got picked up from last year's Country Championships," Stewart said. "I signed a contract towards the end of last year, and I moved up here to get involved with the team.

"They were pretty happy with the way I played in the Laurie Daley Cup."

Stewart said the move to Wollongong was challenging at first, but he quickly settled in to the town.

"It was a pretty big for me to move away from my family and home, and it took a bit for me to get adjusted to Wollongong," he said. "But once footy came around, and I was training three nights a week, I was alright.

"The boys in the team were really good as well."

Now that the SG Ball season is over, Stewart plans to spend the rest of the season preparing for a shot at the Steelers' under 20s side.

"I'm going to go back to Dapto and play a bit of club footy," he said. "I'll try to keep fit, get stronger, and hopefully make the Jersey Flegg side next year."

Stewart said he wouldn't be where he is today without the support of his friends and family.

"I particularly want to thank my mum for supporting me on my journey," he said.