20-year-old Gerringong local Hamish Stewart made his NRL debut on Saturday, 8 March. Despite the Dragons falling short 28-20 against the Bulldogs, Stewart got through a mountain of work and was reliable in his first-ever NRL match.

Every young footy player dreams of the moment they get to run onto an NRL field, and Stewart - who wore the number 17 jersey on the bench for the Dragons - got his chance in the 24th minute of the match.

"To run out to a sell-out crowd at Jubilee Stadium was something I’ve never experienced,” says Stewart. “I’ve heard about people getting goosebumps, and I literally did. It’s something I’ll never forget.”

Hamish running out of the tunnel on his NRL debut. Source: Game Face Photography.

Stewart’s first run off the back fence from the Dragons' line was met with a fierce challenge from the Bulldogs’ relentless defence. However, he gained confidence as the game progressed, showing more and more composure with each touch.

But it was Stewart’s defensive work that stood out as the highlight of his night. In his 43 minutes on the field, he made 38 tackles, including a crucial try-saving legs tackle on the line and another important tackle that forced a Bulldogs knock-on.

"The intensity and speed of the game were next level,” says Stewart. “People had warned me about it, but until I experienced it, I couldn’t fully comprehend it."

Stewart had a strong support crew of family and friends who made the journey to Kogarah to watch him play, and he describes the overwhelming sense of backing he received.

"The whole week was so special - from being announced in the team with my teammates rallying around me, to getting my jersey presented to me by my family, then having all my friends and family supporting me at the game. I’ll never forget it," says Stewart.

Hamish Stewart in action for the junior Gerringong Lions. Source: Game Face Photography.

Alongside Stewart, the Gerringong Lions now boast four former players regularly playing in the NRL. The Dragons’ 18th man for the game was another Gerringong Lion, Dylan Egan, and when you factor in the Sims brothers Tariq and Ashton (both former NRL players), it makes for a remarkable number of players emerging from one small club.

Stewart attributes this success to the culture of his club. “I think it comes down to the culture the club and players have built here over the last 100 years. The culture is built on hard work and effort - values that are essential for making the top grade," says Stewart.

Hamish Stewart in action for the Dragons on his debut. Source: Game Face Photography.

Stewart has been named to retain his spot in the Dragons' Round 2 clash with the Rabbitohs at Win Stadium in Wollongong on Saturday, 15 March.