Ricky Stuart credits the leadership group, led by captain Joseph Tapine, for supporting Jed's NRL debut.
Ricky Stuart has given an insight into the influence of Canberra's leadership group after revealing that it was captain Joseph Tapine who informed his son Jed that he would debut against Wests Tigers.
With boom rookie Savelio Tamale sidelined by a knee injury, the leadership group - labelled 'Club 82' after the season the Raiders entered the premiership - convinced Stuart that Jed was ready for the step up to the NRL.
Jed, who turns 24 on Sunday, repaid their faith with a first half try before the Green Machine hung on to win 16-12 at Campbelltown on Friday night.