Danny Weidler Sydney Morning Herald Sunday 31st July 2016
Eagles fear 'Farah scenario' with Stewart
Manly are sitting back watching the Robbie Farah drama play out at Wests Tigers, knowing full well they could be about to face a similar situation with club legend Brett Stewart. Manly are nervous. Very nervous.
They don't know what to expect from Stewart as the sun begins to set on a great career. The Stewart I know will not play club politics; he will do things his way and won't play ball if there is an exit strategy presented to him. That's the way he has been his whole career.
And Stewart knows he is on the outer with key figures at the club. Because of that, he won't do what they say. The Eagles will say they will let Stewart make the call on his future. His knee has been shot for the best part of the last six years, but he has still managed to play some brilliant football. The most recent bout of surgery has done little to rectify Stewart's problems. He was told he could try to play this year, he could sit out until next year or he could quit.
It's interesting that Stewart has shown intent by turning up at rehab for his knee.
What Stewart may or may not know is there is a real intention to play Tom Trbojevic at fullback from now on. That would mean Stewart could end up playing for the new Sea Eagles second grade team, Blacktown Workers. That is the worst-case scenario, but it has been brought up internally.
No one wants that to happen.
Word is that talks are about to open with the Trbojevics. While Jake may be a future skipper and the backbone of the club, huge money will be thrown at Tom, who will set salary records for a player of his young age.
Eagles fear 'Farah scenario' with Stewart
Manly are sitting back watching the Robbie Farah drama play out at Wests Tigers, knowing full well they could be about to face a similar situation with club legend Brett Stewart. Manly are nervous. Very nervous.
They don't know what to expect from Stewart as the sun begins to set on a great career. The Stewart I know will not play club politics; he will do things his way and won't play ball if there is an exit strategy presented to him. That's the way he has been his whole career.
And Stewart knows he is on the outer with key figures at the club. Because of that, he won't do what they say. The Eagles will say they will let Stewart make the call on his future. His knee has been shot for the best part of the last six years, but he has still managed to play some brilliant football. The most recent bout of surgery has done little to rectify Stewart's problems. He was told he could try to play this year, he could sit out until next year or he could quit.
It's interesting that Stewart has shown intent by turning up at rehab for his knee.
What Stewart may or may not know is there is a real intention to play Tom Trbojevic at fullback from now on. That would mean Stewart could end up playing for the new Sea Eagles second grade team, Blacktown Workers. That is the worst-case scenario, but it has been brought up internally.
No one wants that to happen.
Word is that talks are about to open with the Trbojevics. While Jake may be a future skipper and the backbone of the club, huge money will be thrown at Tom, who will set salary records for a player of his young age.