I am picking the winner of Sunday’s Roosters-Sea Eagles grand final with a degree of confidence and it is all because of one player.
His name is Brett Stewart and in my opinion, he is way, way, more than the x-factor in a match-up of two incredibly close and talented teams.
Yeah, I know. The men from the east have beaten Manly in all three games this year but all of those were fierce battles, knife-edge stuff, but I’m not so sure Trent Robinson’s men can make it four out of four to clinch the title.
Brett Stewart wasn’t on the field in those last two losses but he is back from injury now and that’s a huge plus for the Sea Eagles.
I believe his presence will be enough to tip the scales in Manly’s favour.
This guy rarely gets the headlines – or praise – that fills the scrapbooks akin to those of Greg Inglis, Matty Bowen, Jarryd Hayne and even Benny Barba.
I have been a huge fan of ‘The Snake’ for many years and cannot understand why he is not spoken of in the same hushed tones as the best fullbacks of the modern era.
As a try-scoring fullback, he is right up with the best the game has ever known. As the last line of defence, he is pretty close to infallible.
His silky ball skills in the middle of the park (or out wide) are magnificent and he is ultra-safe under the high ball that the Roosters send up ad nauseam.
Brett Stewart, to me, is right up there with the very best players rugby league has paraded in the last decade.
His career has been stymied by a spate of injuries and a disgraceful off-field problem (sexual assault charge) that was proved by the courts to be pure fantasy.
It was a fabrication, all vicious lies, and it’s amazing that this remarkable young man has been able to get over the trauma, and play the game at all.
But Brett Stewart, buoyed by the backing of his family, the Manly club and an adoring fan-base, somehow got back on track and consistently plays at a level few can hope to match.
His match tapes, and stats, do not lie. No need to trot them out here: B Stewart is a match-winner, always has been and is a huge chance to be on Sunday night.
Just look at what he did against Souths last week. First game in a month: one try, one assist, pretty much faultless at the back.
I often find myself watching Brett Stewart – and hardly anyone else – when Manly play.
He has never let me (one of his most ardent fans) down, nor has he hurt Manly Warringah. To me, he is every inch the champion that his club, quite rightly, lauds its pantheon of greats.
I don’t really care which club wins the big one on Sunday, but I am going to have two modest bets.
First try: Brett Stewart. Clive Churchill Medal: Brett Stewart.
This player puts the ‘excite’ in rugby league excitement. I think he will trigger another Manly grand final win.
Bob Sanders
Guest
UP THE CHOOKIES WOOOHOOO
Jean Smith
Guest
I really think Manly will win mainly because the last time Manly played the Sydney Roosters their was only 4 points scored by the Roosters. For Manly to restrict the Roosters to only 4 I really think Manly will step it up this time and come out winners.
Charles NSW
Guest
I agree that Brett Stewart is one of the best fullbacks to go around. At one stage he was rated as the best but the sexual charge and the injuries have not helped him over the years.
Dr Yes
Guest
Snake's an awsome player. As are Lyon and DCE. There'll be dangerous running through Manly halves, centres, fullback, wingers. But how are any of these players going to break the Roosters defence and get over the tryline, once the monster Roosters pack marches downfield? How do you hold back sets starting with a Mini/winger run, rolling for a couple of tackles through JWH, Moa, O'Donnell, leading to runs from Friend, Pearce, Maloney, then to the hole-running back-rowers & flying centres? Especially when the the Roosters backs and forwards can attack, middle, edges and sides? Once the Roosters spend time in Manly's half, how will Manly get back downfield, against the best defence in the league? Will take every bit of gas. And there's SBW. Could open up at the backend.
Selector
Guest
I think Toovey's head will explode win or lose!
al
Guest
I hope Manly will win. Their style of play comes closest to what Rugby League should be like. Lots of grubber kicks and chase. There is nothing more boring to watch than a bomb after every set of six.
Bring Back the Bears
Guest
I wish to offer nothing constructive to the conversation except for, booooooo Manly. That is all.
mushi
Roar Guru
I mean of the current manly team
Wozza
Guest
Roosters by 4 tries. SBW to start at 5/8 Jake friend or Guerra to get MOTM Tooveys head to explode like a watermelon in the coaches box Manly to go " wee wee wee all the way home "
Selector
Guest
No team, not even Easts have the ability to knock Manly off 4 times in a season..... Manly have the class in key positions which Easts do not have: Stewart Brothers, Foran, Lyon, Cherry-Evans, Watmough, Matai along with Ballin provide a greater volume of quality than Easts. The result will be 23-12 to Manly with a late unconverted try sealing it..... (well worth having a crack at a result)
jerry tingke
Guest
thats coz u are a huge fan of stewart. it seems all maroons fan are for mainley. well NSW fans are for roosters...yehh
Midfielder
Guest
Tim I have similar views and am torn between the two...
The eye
Guest
There have been some pretty fat fullbacks in the past,George Longbottom trundles to mind and come really skinny ones too..Phil Mann and Fairy
Igota Hujecoq
Guest
Joe Nullavow will play too Manly wins 1-12
mushi
Roar Guru
Rose is perhaps the only player you couldn't say has a different "physique" to wombat
mushi
Roar Guru
Though you have to admit hiku was pretty darn good, and roosters with Cordner and JWH are a better outfit (particularly defensively which is scary) Will be a very very good game I don't think half the league cares but roosters and Sea Eagles fans are going to be treated to a great game of football
max
Guest
These teams are so evenly matched that kicking for goal and/ or the grubber to promote try scoring opportunities or enforce goal line drop outs will determine the match. Manly more so than Easts have more skillful grubbers and that factor influences me to bet on Manly @ >$2 .35. If Cordner plays I would prefer to watch and wait for 2014...the worst 6 months of the year.
Tim Prentice
Expert
Midfielder, I have Stewart on equal standing with Wombat. Very different physiques and style of play, but these two have served the Sea Eagles with distinction. If Brett continues in such vein for three or four seasons, I might have to edge him ahead.
Sleemo
Guest
I’ll go with Brendon Reeves.
Sleemo
Guest
I always thought our teams of the 1970s and the mid 1990s were the best but if the current group can win another premiership, the Manly sides of 2007-now will be among the best ever produced.