By Alan Nicolea -
July 9th 2009 @ 12:36am
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Robertson finally fills Stewart’s void
When Sea Eagles winger Michael Robertson had to take over Brett Stewart’s fullback role at the start of the 2009 NRL season, it was always going to be an overwhelming challenge for a player that made his name on the flanks.
Since that memorable 40 – nil Premiership victory last year, Robertson has only scored three tries in a season which has seen the Sea Eagles struggle to mount a suitable defence for the 2008 Grand Final triumph.
In the opening month of the season, Robertson was handed the unenviable task of filling in Brett Stewart’s no.1 jersey after the Manly flyer was suspended for four matches because of an off field misdemeanour.
Having already proven himself as a class finisher on the wing, Robertson’s only experience at fullback came when Stewart found himself on NSW Origin duty during the middle of season 2008.
The Valley Dragons junior accustomed himself to the custodian role somewhat during the Rugby League World Cup last year, where he played all of Scotland’s games from fullback.
Although Robertson had attained some experience in the no.1 jersey, it wasn’t enough to suggest he would replicate Stewart’s match winning spark for the Sea Eagles at the start of this season.
Indeed, Robertson found both his game and his confidence severely challenged during an opening month which saw the reigning premiers start 2009 winless.
Stewart’s absence for Manly seemed to rival the effects of a Tigers side without Benji Marshall or a Knights team without Andrew Johns.
Despite the negativity surrounding Robertson, he would eventually get a two week respite, courtesy of Stewart’s brilliant cameo, which saw the star fullback return to football and score five tries in rounds 5 and 6, only to severely injure his knee.
Although Stewart has since missed the rest of the NRL season to date, thankfully for Manly, Robertson has produced some scintillating form to help guide the Sea Eagles into the top eight.
The anchor for Robertson’s current form was no doubt his performance against the Sydney Roosters at Brookvale Oval in round 13.
He scored two tries, made two tackle breaks and gained over 130 metres in a man of the match performance that laid the platform for the Sea Eagles 38-18 win over the Chooks.
Robertson has since helped spark a Manly revival which sees the club in sixth position, courtesy of a four match winning streak, which culminated in a terrific 19-12 victory against premiership fancies the Bulldogs on Monday night.
It was a win that has not only solidified the Sea Eagles position for a place in the finals, but one which has confirmed Robertson’s success filling a void that was thought to be Manly’s undoing this season.
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Hugh Jarse said | July 9th 2009 @ 10:05am | Report comment
Frankly, I think it was only Williams’ image and media attention that got him into the Blues side ahead of Robertson.
Robertson is equal to Williams as a runner, safer under the high ball and is a far superior player in defence. By this I mean that he doesn’t get sucked out of position as Williams continually does.
I’m not convinced that fullback is his position, but give me Robertson over Williams on the wing any day.
Alan Nicolea said | July 9th 2009 @ 11:39am | Report comment
Hugh
Of course fullback is not his position, but he has to be commended for filling Stewart’s void the way he has. Indeed Manly themselves have missed Robertson’s tryscoring potency out wide, emphasised by his hattrick in the Grand Final against Melbourne. His defence, like you say, is also very dependable. I agree that he would not look out of sorts in a Blues jersey.
Brett McKay said | July 9th 2009 @ 1:08pm | Report comment
Alan, I had to read the article to ensure you were talking about Robinson playing fullback, and not that he and Brett Stewart were in some kind of ‘friends with benefits” type scenario (not that there’s anything wrong with that) – interesting choice of words for the headline!!
Bill said | July 9th 2009 @ 3:17pm | Report comment
Robertson is looking more comfortable after 10 or so games in the Manly no.1 shirt. I hope he plays a blinder against St George on Sunday!!