With many Manly fans holding their breath, and waiting in anticipation as to how Brett Stewart will go in light of his previous knee reconstructions, Manly coach Des Hasler has named Stewart in the team to take on the Warriors in their final trial match this week.
Stewart has not played a game in the NRL since Round One last year, but he is line to make a cameo type performance in the trial against the Warriors.
Despite Stewart’s cameo performance in the trial, Hasler says that Stewart still needs to undergo more tests to see if he is 100% fit for the club’s Round 1 clash against the Storm.
“Stewart has been named, he’s got some medical tests and fitness tests later this week so we’ll see how he comes up,” Hasler explained.
“It’s in the hands of our medical (team) who have done an outstanding job so far.”
For Hasler, he sees the return of Stewart as a huge bonus for the club, and likens it to a team signing a marquee player.
“At the time (of his injury) he was probably the best fullback in the game,” Hasler said.
“He just has all those attributes that a side needs – the energy he brings, the confidence he brings.”