It was a sight for sore eyes at Manly training on Tuesday – fullback Brett Stewart running freely and eyeing a return in Friday night’s NRL preliminary final against South Sydney.
While he trod carefully to start with as he ran at three-quarter pace through an early running drill, Stewart gave his injured hamstring a thorough examination as he went full tilt later in the session – the brilliant No.1 passing the first test in his quest to face the Bunnies.
The availability fo Stewart would be a massive boost for the Sea Eagles, who despite the fine form of Peta Hiku at the back, have failed to hit top form during the finals series.
But while the sight of Stewart running would have raised the hopes of coach Geoff Toovey, he also knows there is a long way to go before the his star fullback is cleared to play.
Asked when he would make a call on Stewart’s availability, Toovey said:
“Ideally it would have been nice last week,” Toovey said.
“I can’t predict how he’ll pull up at the end of the week after a couple of training sessions.
“But I’m hoping through the advice of medical staff and himself that he’ll be fine.
“The bloke who filled in for him, Peta Hiku, has done a great job.
“But Brett Stewart’s been in and out in these situations quite often in previous years so we’re pretty sure and confident, the quality player that he is he’ll bounce back and fit straight in.”
The form of Hiku has been a godsend for Toovey and has earned the Warriors junior an upgraded contract extension for 2014, enough to convince him to bring his partner and two-year-old daughter across from New Zealand at the end of the season.
While a path to a regular top grade berth is blocked by the presence of Stewart and wingers David Williams and Jorge Taufua, Hiku said he was keen to extend his time at the Sea Eagles beyond next year.
“It would be good to stay here at the club, especially the way they brought me in they’ve been real good to me,” Hiku said.
“Hopefully it just carries on.”
Captain Jamie Lyon (bruised leg) took part in some of Tuesday’s session, but back-rower Anthony Watmough (knee) has been wrapped in cotton wool ahead of his rematch with Rabbitohs prop Jeff Lima.
Lima copped a one-game ban the last time the two sides met for a leg twist on Watmough, with the NSW Origin star sidelined for two games with a knee complaint after the match.
Sleemo
Guest
Well Brett Stewart was vindicated by the match review panel which found he had no case to answer, and Matai's "high" hit on George Burgess bounced up off the ball, but whatever. You and Oikee could be cousins you know.
Brendan
Guest
Probably about as much damage as Brett Stewart elbowing Everingham to the head or Matai hitting George Burgess high. In fact Matai could have whacked several guys to death if you want to point the finger of blame. But your right, I'm sure a shoulder charge is much worse than a spear tackle, sorry make that 2 Spear tackles.
Joe
Guest
No obsession , just cannot understand this persons obsession with eyes and nuts !
aaron
Guest
this will be the game of the year
aaron
Guest
belrose eagle you need help
aaron
Guest
manly so called fans are obsessed with sam you probably have never spoke to him a true gentleman
Joe
Guest
Yes , I'm proud ,if norths were viable they would be here today , in this comp , are you proud that your imports grab male genitals , Were Pride of the League
Joe
Guest
The present dude , I know you can't handle it but it's to late , it's written in the Rugby League history books know , read it and weep
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
I wonder how many times Inglis is going to get spear tackled in this game
aaron
Guest
you should be proud of what you did to NORTHS
aaron
Guest
what lifetime are you talking about
aaron
Guest
stevie wonder 2 spear tackles on GI stewarts elbow on everingham or were you wiping the tears from your eyes remember SOUTHS won
Joe
Guest
Why ? We're not the ones that havnt won a National Rugby League grand final for 42 years , were not worried , were officially the Pride of the League , we are statistically the best there's ever been , ,,,,,,, I don't think Manly fans are worried
aaron
Guest
but souths beat manly twice so get over it
Joe
Guest
Hey Steve you forgot to mention that Manly is the Pride of the League , official stats prove this , oh and no need to yell , you will get a sore voice ,,,,
aaron
Guest
I think manly fans are getting a bit worried
steve
Roar Rookie
EAGLE JACK,ANY FAN THAT FOLLOWS A TEAM WITH NO HEART ,SOUL OR IS THE MOST HATED IN NRL SHOULD BE ASHAMED.YOU MAY HAVE HAD SUCCESS BUT WHERE IS YOUR SUPPORT,WHERE ARE YOUR FANS AND SUPPORTERS THAT SHOULD BE BEHIND A SUCCESFUL TEAM? YOU CHOSE TO WHINGE ABOUT PART OF MY STATEMENT,WHY DONT YOU RESPOND TO ALL OF THE CRITICISM,AND WHILE U R AT IT,PLEASE EXPLAIN THE DIRTY TACTIC BY MATT ORFORD IN OUR SEMI FINAL,STOP CHOOSING WHAT TO REPLY TO,STEP UP AND BE A MANLY FAN AND REPLY TO EVERYTHING, NOT WHAT SUITS YOU.
Sleemo
Guest
Every coach only chooses to complain about mistakes which go against them. Why would Manly be any different? By the way mate, what's it like to win a premiership? Ah that's right, you haven't won one for 42 years. That's middle-age. Manly have won eight in that time.
Sleemo
Guest
So what are your thoughts on Inglis's shoulder charge on Dean Young last year, Brendan? Could have done serious damage ... in fact it may have done so and we we'll only find out if Dean Young is found dead in twenty years' time. Ever read the stories of what's happened to former pro American footballers in recent years?
eagleJack
Guest
Thanks for the caps. You don't come on here to bag any team huh?? So writing that I should be ashamed for following Manly is what exactly? Get back to school, learn how to construct a sentence and turn of the caps steve