ManlyBacker
Winging it
<p>DISGRACED Manly fullback Brett Stewart is poised for a legal stoush with the NRL after releasing a statement yesterday indicating he expects to be reinstated by round five. NRL chief executive David Gallop was clear to stress that Stewart's suspension had nothing to do with his court case, but was a punishment for tarnishing the game's image. The league boss also said Stewart's return to the game would depend on any more information that came to light. Stewart's manager, George Mimis, issued a statement yesterday saying his client would cop the ban -- for now.</p><p> While not wanting to discuss the situation last night, it is understood Mimis has taken legal advice from leading Sydney barrister Geoff Bellew about Stewart's options once the suspension is over. "The NRL has specifically acknowledged in its media release the basis of the suspension which has been imposed is separate and distinct, both in time and content, from the allegations which have given rise to criminal charges which are to come before the court for the first time on 7 April next," Mimis said. "Those allegations form no part whatsoever of the basis of the suspension which has been imposed. </p>
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