South Sydney Rabbitohs have announced the signing of representative forward Glenn Stewart from Monly for the 2015 and 2016 seasons.
Stewart’s signing comes after Rabbitohs enforcer Sam Burgess signed a deal to play rugby union in England. Rumours are also swirling about a possible return to Brisbane for Ben Teo.
30-year-old Stewart will add plenty of experience to a strong Rabbitohs pack, after the departure of prop Roy Asotasi last year. He has played 184 games since debuting for Manly in 2003.
Stewart also represented Australia in five Tests in 2008 and 2009; NSW in five State of Origin games in 2009 and 2012; played three times for Country in 2008, 2010 and 2011.
Rabbitohs coach Michael Maguire is delighted the Rabbitohs have secured Stewart for the next two seasons.
“Glenn is one of the lynch-pins to the extended success the Sea Eagles have had over the past decade and he will bring a lot to our Club,” Maguire said.
“Glenn has achieved a lot throughout his time in the game and the experience that he has at the highest levels on the biggest stage, as well as his leadership qualities, will be invaluable to the young players we have coming through in our squad.
“He’s a tough player in attack and defense that can ball-play as well, and we’re looking forward to adding him to our squad during the next pre-season.”
Stewart says he is excited about the new beginning that lies ahead when he joins the Rabbitohs.
“I’ve really enjoyed the times I’ve had at Manly over the past 12 seasons but circumstances at the Club have led to me moving on at the end of this year,” Stewart said.
“I’m really excited about moving onto that next chapter of my career next year and I’m looking forward to the change, and the challenges, that will come with joining the Rabbitohs,” Stewart said.
“I’m glad to have this sorted out early in the season so that I can now concentrate on finishing off the job I need to do for Manly this year.”
Glenn Stewart
Date of Birth: 11 January 1984
Position: Second row/lock
Height: 180cm
Weight: 103kg
Junior Club: Wests Wollongong
Rep Honours: Five Tests for Australia (2008-09); five games for NSW (2009, 2012); three games for Country Origin (2008, 2010-11); one game for Prime Minister’s XIII (2009)
Awards: Clive Churchill Medal (2011); Dally M Second Rower of the Year (2008)
NRL Games: 184 for Sea Eagles (2003-current)
NRL Points: 108 from 27 tries
NRL Debut: Sea Eagles vs Broncos, Suncorp Stadium, 26 July 2003 (Rd 20)
Rayzor
Guest
Manly kept the core group together for so long by resigning them to heavily back-ended contracts, and now is the backend and all those core player's contracts will swell next year. That was their alternative to the Storm's rorting. Unlike the days of old, clever recruitment has maintained Manly's success.
Statler and Waldorf
Roar Guru
Dragons and raiders were both competing for Stewart
Rod
Guest
You might be right with Reynolds, he is in a rut at the moment . This year could be the making or the breaking of him. But Keary maybe our ace up our sleeves. Time will tell and this Friday is as good as any for the bunnies to show us they are contenders .
Sleemo
Guest
Glenn Stewart is a winner - simple. As a Manly supporter I'll never forget that performance either. Showed such remarkable character to recover from his first 20 minutes where he was directly responsible for 8 of Souths' points and indirectly responsible for 6 (the high tackle leading to a penalty, the missed tackle on the tryline and the dropped ball leading to a turnover). To then kickstart Manly's recovery by laying on their first try and lifting the whole team for the last 60 minutes was unforgettable. A very inspirational performance. I think his best years are behind him, but put it this way - if he can provide Souths with efforts like that over the next two years, they will be all the better for it.
sean
Guest
As a Souths supporter I'll never forget his performance in last years final. At 14 nil down he carried manly on his back to get them back in the game. I wish we got him 5 years ago.
Jacksyd
Guest
Just curious, how many comps has your club won and whats wrong with kiwis? BTW, Burgess wants to be a dual international and Teo can get much more at Brisbane than what Souths are able to pay under the salary cap, its common. He hasnt left yet and would still be there if not for the Stewart signing, all adds up now. Their input in the games certainly doesn't reflect any discontent being there. You have to stop relying on the telecrap to support your arguments.
Brendan
Guest
Gonads loves the media quotes so heres one for him when it comes to calling Stewart a discard.. "South Sydney, who beat St George Illawarra and Canberra for Stewart’s services" - SMH
Brendan
Guest
Cooper Cronk has only scored 1 try this year.. Going by Gonads KPI's.. He will soon be a discard.. :)
Philipp
Roar Rookie
Who cares if Stewart doesnt score many tries. He has more ball playing ability than all Souths forwards combined. They desperately need a player like Stewart.
The Hoff
Guest
Gifty is part of the fabric of manly's previous success , but at 31 he isn't the future . Decisions were made and 600k in the salary cap era doesn't make sense. Re-signing wolf man makes worse sense though. Manly will lock in DCE and Foran and and to do that someone had to go. All you would be CEO's just consider the history of the Sea Eagles.... Manly will stay strong as always and win more comps. Remember they are the ONLY team to win a comp every decade since the 70's No other club can claim that mantle. Sad to see him leave Manly but happy he got his final pay day.
Brendan
Guest
You are a goose.. You claim to know what players are paid and the reasons they choose to knock back certain clubs. Im not comparing Teo and Burgess to Grant and Stewart, show me where i compared them. I merely pointed out that your so called use of the word "discards" is ridiculous. What have you got to say about Jennings? He was a so called discard from Penrith who they chose to let go and went on to win a premiership. You my friend are a massive tool!
Brendan
Guest
Of course you do... You sat in on the contract negotiations right? Geez you are a busy man sitting in on all these contract negotiations.. im suprised you find the time to post comments here
Brendan
Guest
Teo is considering all his options.. He doesnt necessarily want out as you seem to claim. His manager said as much. For all you know he will decide to stay at Souths. And maybe you shouldnt put so much weight in the news reports. You seem to thrive on sensationalised media and run it as fact. Perhaps its you that should use some common sense before you wave around your so called opinions as fact...
eagleJack
Guest
Petero only scored 3 tries in 4 years at the Panthers. Absolute dud of a front rower!
eagleJack
Guest
Geez Gonads your comprehension skills aren't crash hot. My point was never about the new recruits being better. Your original point was that Grant and Stewart were bad signings. Which they are not. They offer different attributes. Ill say it again really slowly.... Burgess is a huge loss for the Bunnies. He decided to switch codes and return to England. Good luck to him. But it is near impossible to replace him with the players currently available on the market. So you have to form a strategy with what is out there. Stewart will offer them a great POD in attack. Something they have dearly lacked, and the sole reason for them being bundled out in 2 consecutive preliminary finals. His influence could be exactly what they have been missing. Also you say nobody else was interested in Stewart. Yet then admit you get your information from the news. LOL. I suppose the Telegraph is also your bible.
Muzz
Guest
Souths still need a strike centre and a halfback.Perhaps Brett Stewart will be next and GI can move into the centres.Can't see Madge being interested in Ferguson.IMO - Souths will never win a premiership with A. Reynolds at 7.
Renegade
Guest
Gonads, I didn't ever disagree with you on that point.... It's definitely a downgrade for Souths however it's ridiculous to justify your argument with how many tries each forward has scored, they're not wingers champ.
john badseed
Guest
Gifty probably the most valuable player on the market. Will give Souths something more than brawn. Souths lack direction and that what Stewart will bring. Manly will drop back a cog even with DCE and Foran now that Gifty won't be there to take the pressure off them. He doesn't need to score ttys Gonad as he makes them. That's why Souths can't win big with just Inglis. Souths should now be real premiership contenders.
Renegade
Guest
Rebecca??? LOL.... I'm not rubbishing RL nads. Anyways why don't you go find out how many tries Shane Webcke scored because we'd all like to know whether you thought he was a good front rower or not.... ;)
Benedict Arnold
Guest
I actually laughed out loud at that. I guess souths won't have to rely simply on brute force to win their games next year.