Stewart enjoyed a hugely successful breakthrough season with Ulster last term, putting in consistently impressive performances and scoring a record 16 tries in the United Rugby Championship, including two hat-tricks.
“I had a good season last season and I’m delighted with how that went, but my main focus is on keep working on everything I can, keep developing the other parts of my game and pushing everyone around me,” he said.
“I’m in a good environment around me. The boys I’m with will spur me on and hopefully I’ll spur them on. We all strive for the one collective goal and that’s to win the championship.
“There’s a core leadership group, but as a collective we need to grow together and all become a bit more of a leader in every way – everyone just owning those responsibilities and stepping forward together.
“We need to start as we mean to go on this season.”
Stewart’s primary rival for the number two shirt with Ulster will again be Rob Herring, who was part of the Ireland squad at the World Cup.
“Hopefully Rob and I can keep pushing each other. We have built up a really good relationship and hopefully I can keep kicking at his heels,” explained Stewart.
“The more competition the better and whatever will be will be. I think the individual pushes the collective.”