Sea Eagles fullbacks less than 100 per cent fit in lead-up to the big one.
Manly Sea Eagles fullback Brett Stewart is set to take his place in the starting side for the NRL grand final despite fears about a hamstring strain.
The injury has plagued Stewart’s career in recent seasons and again concerns were held this week about the representative star’s ability to get through a full game.
After playing in his side’s victory over South Sydney in the preliminary final, Stewart pulled up sore but will start in a calculated move by Geoff Toovey ahead of the final game of the season.
For Manly, Joe Galuvao is officially no chance of returning from an Achilles tear, but the news on key man Stewart is as positive as can be expected.
For the Roosters, star forwards Boyd Cordner and Luke O’Donnell are both expected to be late inclusions in the side.
The Roosters completed their captain’s run without incident however, coach Trent Robinson said he will not confirm his starting side until an hour before kick-off.
Stewart did not play in the first week of the NRL finals when they lost 4-0 to tomorrow’s opponents the Roosters in what was a bruising encounter.
If the New South Wales and Australian fullback cannot make it through the full game unimpeded then it will have a massive affect on the Sea Eagles.
With Stewart on the field Manly look a different team as he combines well with halves Daly Cherry-Evans and Kieran Foran well on the fringes.
COMMENTS