BRETT Stewart reckons pure speed is a "gift".
"You either have it, or you don't," Stewart said yesterday.
It will be the most perplexing question throughout 2011 for the returning Stewart. Will he possess the same dazzling pace after two operations on his left knee and two more on his right?
Yesterday at the Pittwater Sports Clinic in Narrabeen, Stewart went through drills on a trampoline designed to control his foot stride and knee and give him running balance.
The Daily Telegraph was there to watch a fit and healthy Stewart train in front of Manly physiotherapist Andre Rickenbach.
While reluctant to talk with the media after being cleared of a sexual assault allegation, Stewart yesterday spoke for the first time about the coming season and desire for speed.
"Speed is a gift - you either have it or you don't," Stewart said. "Time will tell [if I have lost some pace]. But if I work hard enough at my recovery then the speed will gradually come back. Obviously I think about it [injuries to both knees].
"But I have played enough football to know that confidence builds with each game back and I'll be the same.
"Look at Shane Rodney for example - he's been dogged by injuries and has been one of our most consistent players in recent seasons. Confidence is a great healer.
"I've set a goal to be back for round one against Melbourne."
Stewart sustained another knee injury in round one last season against Wests Tigers - and didn't play again.
It is no coincidence the last time Stewart was fit and flying, Manly won the 2008 grand final 40-0.
At that point he also was the NSW and Australian fullback.
Asked for his 2011 goals, Stewart said: "I want to have an influence on the team and do the job expected of me. I just want to play consistently.
"I've taken on a senior role in the last few years. It's great to see the enthusiasm coming through with the young players.
"I've missed training with the boys, but in future I won't spend as much time on the field training as I did early in my career.
"I'll have to manage my on-field time better and have the right medical and training staff at Manly to monitor that for me. I will be guided by them."
Rickenbach said Stewart was like a Porsche that had been "in a prang."
"We will take things slowly and tick all the boxes," he said.
"[Regaining] speed takes time. Remember Brett hasn't run in a year.
"But he is blessed with natural speed. He is very professional and doesn't cut any corners."
By Dean Ritchie From: The Daily Telegraph
"You either have it, or you don't," Stewart said yesterday.
It will be the most perplexing question throughout 2011 for the returning Stewart. Will he possess the same dazzling pace after two operations on his left knee and two more on his right?
Yesterday at the Pittwater Sports Clinic in Narrabeen, Stewart went through drills on a trampoline designed to control his foot stride and knee and give him running balance.
The Daily Telegraph was there to watch a fit and healthy Stewart train in front of Manly physiotherapist Andre Rickenbach.
While reluctant to talk with the media after being cleared of a sexual assault allegation, Stewart yesterday spoke for the first time about the coming season and desire for speed.
"Speed is a gift - you either have it or you don't," Stewart said. "Time will tell [if I have lost some pace]. But if I work hard enough at my recovery then the speed will gradually come back. Obviously I think about it [injuries to both knees].
"But I have played enough football to know that confidence builds with each game back and I'll be the same.
"Look at Shane Rodney for example - he's been dogged by injuries and has been one of our most consistent players in recent seasons. Confidence is a great healer.
"I've set a goal to be back for round one against Melbourne."
Stewart sustained another knee injury in round one last season against Wests Tigers - and didn't play again.
It is no coincidence the last time Stewart was fit and flying, Manly won the 2008 grand final 40-0.
At that point he also was the NSW and Australian fullback.
Asked for his 2011 goals, Stewart said: "I want to have an influence on the team and do the job expected of me. I just want to play consistently.
"I've taken on a senior role in the last few years. It's great to see the enthusiasm coming through with the young players.
"I've missed training with the boys, but in future I won't spend as much time on the field training as I did early in my career.
"I'll have to manage my on-field time better and have the right medical and training staff at Manly to monitor that for me. I will be guided by them."
Rickenbach said Stewart was like a Porsche that had been "in a prang."
"We will take things slowly and tick all the boxes," he said.
"[Regaining] speed takes time. Remember Brett hasn't run in a year.
"But he is blessed with natural speed. He is very professional and doesn't cut any corners."
By Dean Ritchie From: The Daily Telegraph
