Brett Stewart: Ball skils, passing game - Future Manly (Backline) Coach

You can see why some of the fullbacks of recent yore have transitioned to Five-eight, hooker. Lockyer, Gidley, etc.

Hundreds of times we have seen Snake pass quickly or in an inventive manner to lead to winger or other tries. Flick passes, passes between his legs, miraculous pickups off the ground followed by immediate pass to try scorer. Hundreds of passes to Michael Robertson which lead to oodles of tries. Kite's try in the 2008 GF, and that DCE try last year spring instantly to mind. If you carefully watch the 2011 GF you can see BS and DCE arranging the first try about 1 minute before it happens.

With Foz there, i'm not suggesting that Brett should be Manly's 5/8. Besides his knees wouldn't stand it. His cover defence is built on speed and anticipation.

BUT . . should Brett stay, then he becomes an instant MWSE Immortal, and yes, his continued presence should attract other young players to the club. If Andrew Johns can be backline coach, then Brett Stewart can also in the future.

For all our sakes, and for many reasons, Snake should remain Prince of Brookvale. Be there Monday night to convince him.